Team Timeline: Visualizing Shared History & Milestones
4.2(1006)
Collaboratively map out your team's history, key milestones, and memorable moments. Builds shared identity and helps onboard new members.
5+ PlayersIn-Person20 minEasy
How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Using a physical or digital whiteboard, draw a horizontal line to represent a timeline.
- 2Have team members add sticky notes for key events they remember: project launches, new hires, memorable moments, etc.
- 3This builds a sense of shared identity and helps new members understand the team's history.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard
- Sticky notes
- Markers
Variations
- Digital Timeline: Use Miro, Mural, or a shared doc with a horizontal line for remote teams.
- Themed Timeline: Focus on wins only, or learning moments, or 'plot twists' for specific insights.
- Photo Timeline: Add pictures from events to make it more visual and memorable.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
Draw a timeline. Add milestones—launches, hires, pivots. New members, add your ‘join’ date and a first impression.
Closing Script:
What patterns do we see—sprints, plateaus, or breakthroughs? Note rituals we want to keep or start.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Visualizing shared history builds identity and context for newcomers. It surfaces wins and inflection points for reflection.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Onboarding cohorts
- Project retrospectives
- Quarterly reviews
Important Notes
- Keep entries work‑appropriate; avoid personal sensitive events
- Ensure newer members have space to add their view
- Photograph or export the board for later reference
Game FAQ
How far back should the timeline go?
For teams: start at formation. For projects: start at kickoff. Cap at 2–3 years to keep it focused.
What if newer members feel left out?
Explicitly invite them to add 'first impressions' or 'what I've learned so far' notes.
