Personal histories exercise

This remote team building exercise is from Lencioni's magnus opus, the Five Dysfunctions of a team.

Teams must think about a childhood experience that was emotionally difficult and challenging and consequently reveals to story in front of the others.

The exercise reveals that we all are human beings with our own unique history. Throughout the process of revealing some of our inner most intimate experiences, we become vulnerable towards our peers which is a prerequisite to enhance empathy and trust.

It is important that the person with the highest position (owner, CEO, general manager, department head) goes first and that he or she shows a true example of being vulnerable, encouraging others to do the same.

This virtual team building exercise is best with experienced team players, and individuals who know each other well and established a sense of trust already and recommended for middle management and above.

The personal histories exercise is also a fundamental activity in our Five Dysfunctions of a team workshop.