Unlock $10 offyour first order
Sort by:
80 products
80 products
Look under your thumb, share, and get happy at work!
The Get Happy at Work Thumball discussion prompts help create a more positive workplace by allowing colleagues to share goals, discuss challenges, and build relationships. Focusing on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Meaning, Accomplishments, and Relationships, the prompts help surface sources of happiness as they draw out individuals' personal qualities, work challenges, professional goals, and organizational dynamics. By putting a positive spin on important discussion topics, the Get Happy at Work Thumball helps promote optimism, identify areas for organizational improvement and build a happier workplace.
Share your reaction to whatever prompt lies under your thumb. Thumball is a soft 6" stuffed ball with loads of applications!
You could also purchase our UNZIP-it! with Get Happy at Work Card Deck (Product Code #: BLZPAJ). These cards contain the same awesome prompts as our Thumball!
GET HAPPY AT WORK THUMBALL PROMPTS
The 32 prompts on this Thumball explore...
- Workplace opportunities, challenges, and accomplishments
- Upcoming priorities
- Experiences and learning moments
- Personal and professional goals
- New risks, learning, or skills you hope to explore
- Meaningful mentors, people, and relationships at work
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
** TIPS & FACILITATION SUGGESTIONS **
- Explain your goal.To maximize participation, explain that your goal is to promote shared understanding and build a happier, more supportive environment.
- Don't rush it.Appreciate that some may not be able to give quick or pat answers to a prompt; others might want to take some time to discuss their thoughts. Don't feel rushed to get to the next question. Rather, give people the time needed to discuss what's on their mind.
- Take notes.Thumballs have a great way of teasing out important information. Keep a notepad handy in case you hit an issue you'd like to revisit later.
-
Give each player a “pass.”If a player finds a prompt particularly difficult, invite them to take a PASS, ASK A FRIEND, or request a DISCUSSION.
NOTE: This ball is part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs. (C) Trainers Warehouse.
MORE RESOURCES
Look under your thumb and share your reaction to whatever prompt lies beneath it. Thumball is a soft, 6" stuffed ball pre-printed with 32 prompts and LOADS of interesting applications for meetings, training, and employee relations.
With the Stress Management Thumball, explore the causes of stress and various ways to manage its impact. Teams can discuss what affects their stress level, how they can help each other out, how they can better manage their own approach to stress, and more.
STRESS MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION STARTER THUMBALL
The prompts on the Stress Management Thumball will help you explore and discuss the following:
- Causes of stress: tasks, chores, times of year, and situation that bring angst
- Controlling stress: ways to minimize stress and focus on priorities
- Sources of calm: hobbies, activities, quiet places that bring relaxation
- Wellness practices: Sleep, exercise and diet that nourish you
- Dealing with stress: what do you do (can you do) when you get stressed
- Electronics: impact of technology and email on stress levels
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
** TIPS & Facilitation Suggestions **
This Thumball contains both prompts that address causes of stress and others that promote discussion and reflection on responses to stress. This is really meant to be a tool to build awareness and enable conversations about stress.
If you want to kick it up a notch, try these creative twists:
- Ask first recipient to select an answer panel to which all players must respond or contribute.
- Have players recall the responses of others.
- Use each answer as a prompt to discuss broader aspects of stress-management including time management techniques, diet, exercise, sleep, ways to say "no", etc.
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
MORE RESOURCES
Look under your thumb and share! Diversity Thumball is a playful tool for serious discussions.
We live in a diverse world. Some differences are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges, and age. Others may not be visually apparent, but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, virginity, use or non-use of alcohol, allergies, intellect, depression, and other emotional diseases.
The Diversity Thumball tackles a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity. Thumball™ is a soft 6" stuffed vinyl ball that looks like a cool soccer ball and has 32 panels pre-printed with questions suited for adults and teens. Safely toss it around in a group and ask participants to share their reaction to whatever prompt lies under their thumb.
DIVERSITY THUMBALL PROMPTS
Explore the topic of diversity by chatting about these topics:
- Sources of your attitudes towards people unlike yourself
- Experiences in which you felt like an outsider or shared an unpopular idea
- Important aspects of your identity that feel important
- Origins and experiences with prejudice
- Ways to combat discrimination and make others feel included
- Bias based on gender, disabilities, age, race, sexual identity...
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
FACILITATION TIP 1: EXPLAIN & SET GOALS
Introduce the activity by explaining: "We live in a diverse world. Some differences are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges, and age. Others may not be visually apparent, but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, addictions, abstinence, allergies, intellect, depression or other emotional disorders, etc. The goal is to understand each other better and start a dialogue."
FACILITATION TIP 2: SET GROUND RULES
Explain that conversations about diversity and bias can be emotionally charged. The goal is to share our experiences of feeling different or excluded and identify ways to create a more welcoming, diverse and compassionate community. So that everyone can feel safe, have the group set up their own Ground Rules. Here are some that you might want on the list:
- Only one person speaks at a time
- Speak only for yourself; use “I” statements
- No personal attacks – critique ideas, not people
- Agree to disagree; disagree without being disagreeable
- Listen – make sure everyone feels heard and validated
- Be positive and non-judgmental; open to new ideas
FACILITATION TIP 3: IF CONVERSATIONS GET STICKY
Expert diversity facilitators suggest these techniques to ease difficult or emotional situations:
- Pause the conversation so you can review the ground rules with the group.
- As the facilitator, share how an experience made you feel.
- Ask others how an experience made them feel.
- If two parties disagree, suggest that they switch roles and make the counter argument.
- Keep a flip chart of difficult topics that can be addressed later.
- Allow attendees to volunteer their participation as they feel comfortable.
- Ask others for input on how they have handled similar situations.
- Be ready to share some of your own personal stories.
- Take a break. Stop for a while and regroup.
- Thank participants for sharing their personal stories.
FACILITATION TIP 4: MAKE IT YOUR OWN!
Have a look at all the discussion prompts. If you're not perfectly comfortable with all of them, feel free to pick and choose your favorites and write them onto a Create-Your-Own-Thumball so they suit your needs 100%.
That's what Miguel did and then he wrote to tell us how it went:
“Our government client, who sat and watched our facilitation, was utterly impressed with the kinds of deep conversations the ball prompted. He admitted, ‘I wasn't really sure what you guys were going to do with that ball, and I must say it went pretty darn great'. It's a beautiful training tool. Thank you, again.”
NOTE: This ball is part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.
MORE RESOURCES
TeamWRITER® is a patented, collaborative team-building game that gets groups communicating, problem-solving, and laughing together. Teams assemble the device, attach strings to the TeamWRITER “gizmo,” then work together to guide a single pen and produce legible writing or simple drawings.
WHAT IT BUILDS
- Communication & listening: groups must coordinate hand tension and verbal cues
- Problem-solving: agree on what to write, then figure out how to do it together
- Role clarity & leadership: natural roles emerge (caller, steady hands, strategist)
- Psychological safety: low-risk, high-fun activity that levels the playing field
HOW IT WORKS
- Assemble the TeamWRITER and connect the strings to the central holder.
- Choose a word, phrase, picture, or logo to write.
- Coordinate pulls and slack on the strings to steer the pen together.
- Debrief: What helped or hindered clarity, trust, and execution?
Patented design: TeamWRITER is protected under US Patent D1,037,355 S. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
WHEN TO USE
- Kickoffs and icebreakers for new or cross-functional teams
- Workshops on collaboration, communication, or Agile teamwork
- Leadership retreats and off-sites as a fast, hands-on challenge
AUDIENCE
TeamWriter is best played with 4 to 10 participants
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- TeamWRITER device (string-guided writing “gizmo”)
- 2 guide plates to hold the player ropes
- 1 stem that holds the guide plates and marker in place
- 10 light-weight ropes
- 1 Sharpie brand marker. NOTE: the marker holder is sized to hold a Sharpie(TM) brand marker. If using a different marker, you may need to wrap some duct tape around the barrel of the marker for a snug fit. You will also need to secure a large sheet of paper (flip chart paper works great) or cardboard to the ground.
- Bag to hold the game parts
- Setup and usage instructions
- Facitlitation notes containing game ideas and tips
FACILITATION TIPS
- Encourage groups to "start small" (initials, simple shapes) before attempting words or logos
- Assign roles: navigator (caller), timekeeper, and quality checker
- Run two rounds: first without strategy, second with agreed signals—then compare outcomes
FAQS
Q: What exactly do participants do?
A: Teams connect strings to the central holder and collectively steer a pen to write or draw, using coordinated pulls and clear communication.
Q: How long does the exercise take?
A: Many facilitators play the whole game in about 20-30 minutes. Depending on the complexity of the challenge, expect 5-10 minutes to ASSEMBLE the device and DRAW, and 10-25 minutes to DEBREIEF.
Q: What makes TeamWRITER different?
A: This activity requires genuine interdependence and collaboration—no one person can “win” alone—so listening becomes the only path to success.
TeamWriter® is a patented, easy-to-use, collaborative team-building game. Fit the pieces together, connect a set of strings to the TeamWriter gismo, and work as a team to write something that's actually legible. (PAT. US D1,037,355 S )
SUPER FUN CHALLENGES
Facilitators can easily adapt this game to a myriad of applications. For instance, you could have groups:
- Write the answer to topical question
- Draw an icon that represents a key learning point
- Write out a meaningful question or phrase
Once the group figures out WHAT they will write, the next challenge is HOW they will do it. Together they'll have to coordinate:
- Where is the top of the page?
- Into which holes should they connect the strings for maximum control?
- Who will be the group leader?
- How will you communicate effectively and listen to each other respectfully?
To add difficulty, facilitators can limit the time available to complete the task, limit communication to non-verbal cues only, or blindfold one more players.
SEE IT IN ACTION!
DEVELOP A BROAD RANGE OF TEAM BUILDING SKILLS
The TeamWriter exercise is excellent whether your team is forming, storming, norming or performing! Adapt the dynamic team building activity to any of these important team development goals:
- Improve team dynamics
- Solve challenging problems together
- Break the Ice
- Improve Communication
- Build Trust
- Develop strong leadership
Patent No.: US D1,037,355 S
COMPARISON CHART
Not sure which team-building activity is right for your group? Trainers Warehouse offers a variety of experiential learning games that build skills in communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and conflict resolution. Use the chart below to compare five of our most popular activities—PuzzleBlind®, Helium Stick®, TeamWRITER®, Shape Up!®, and Team 10®—and choose the one that best fits your training goals, group size, and workshop format.
| Activity | Ideal Group Size | Core Skills Developed | Time Required | Key Dynamic | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PuzzleBlind® | 4–8 players per puzzle (parallel teams for larger groups) | Communication, trust, listening, coaching, conflict resolution | ~30–40 minutes (play + debrief) | Builders are blindfolded, coaches give verbal instructions | Leadership training, conflict resolution, communication workshops |
| Helium Stick® | 8–12 participants per stick | Communication, alignment, group focus, patience | ~20–30 minutes (setup + play + debrief) | Teams must lower a lightweight rod without it rising up | Quick energizer, communication warm-up, leadership retreats |
| TeamWRITER® | 6–12 participants (expandable with multiple pens/strings) | Collaboration, interdependence, coordination, listening | ~20–30 minutes (assembly + play + debrief) | Teams collectively pull strings to guide a pen and write/draw | Collaboration workshops, leadership development, trust building |
| Shape Up!® | Small teams of 4–6 per set (multiple sets scale up) | Problem-solving, communication, collaboration, | ~20-30 minutes (multiple rounds + debrief) | Players must figure out which of their pieces is a duplicate | Problem-solving workshops, collaboration training, communication skill-building |
| Team 10® | Groups of 4–8 players | Adaptability, resilience, dealing with disruption, collaborative planning | ~20–30 minutes (play + debrief) | Teams search for 10 matching cards until a “Scramble” card forces to begin again | Change management workshops, adaptability training, and teamwork energizer |
Look under your thumb and share!
The Be a Leader Thumball gets the conversation going about what skills great leaders possess, and guides players through a bit of introspection as they consider their own leadership strengths or opportunities for improvement.
This ball contains 32 panels including both reflective and forward-thinking prompts! Players share their reaction to whatever prompt lies beneath their thumb.
BE A LEADER THUMBALL PROMPTS
In this unique Leadership Thumball, find a full range of conversation starters, including:
- Leadership traits that I have or aspire to have in myself and my team
- Ways to motivate, inspire, and recognize employee contributions
- Methods for dealing with disagreement, decision making, and mistakes
- Reflections on challenges, frustrations, delegation, and impatience
- Approaches to promote growth and learning
- Techniques to get buy-in, promote diversity, and share feedback
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
FACILITATION SUGGESTIONS
Some seem to be born leaders; others must work at it. No matter who you are, you'll be a better leader if you take time to reflect on past experiences, discuss future goals, and identify ways to engage your group. The Be a Leader Thumball is a discussion tool to help you develop key leadership qualities and identify specific ways to communicate your vision, spread enthusiasm, build your team's esteem, seek broad perspectives, and more.
Be flexible
Expect to adapt your use of this tool to the needs and experience of your group. Some may be able to give quick or pat answers to a prompt; others might want to take some time to discuss or brainstorm best practices; still others might benefit from delving into a conversation about the implied leadership quality in order to discuss why it's important. If a player finds a prompt particularly difficult, invite them to take a PASS, ASK A FRIEND, or request a DISCUSSION about why it matters.
Options
- Discuss similarities or differences in replies.
- Have everyone respond to the same prompt.
- Discuss the long-term implications of various actions.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
MORE RESOURCES
Energize a Webinar, Remote Learning Session, or Online Meeting with UNZiP-it! Remote. Even if you aren't face to face, make it fun to pick a question and get conversations rolling. Read the poem and pick a question:
Feeling shy about speaking out?
Or, not sure what to talk about?
It's easy now to start the flow,
And have discussions bloom and grow.
Click the button below to pick a topic,
Big and broad, or microscopic,
A prompt that doesn't dig too deep,
Or one that makes you take a leap.
Go ahead, just press to pick it,
Read the prompt and then UNZiP-it!
DIVERSITY PROMPTS
Explore the topic of diversity by chatting about these topics:
- Sources of your attitudes towards people unlike yourself
- Experiences in which you felt like an outsider or shared an unpopluar idea
- Important aspects of your identity that feel important
- Origins and experiences with prejudice
- Ways to combat discrimination and make others feel included
- Bias based on gender, disabilities, age, race, sexual identity...
The Diversity prompts tackle a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity. Conversations about diversity and bias can be emotionally charged. The goal is to share experiences of feeling different or excluded and identify ways to create a more welcoming, diverse and compassionate community.
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION FORMAT
The PowerPoint file is saved as a "pptm" file, containing a Macro. Once you enable the content, the UNZiP-it! Button will select a random discussion prompt.
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
This is a downloadable product. After you've placed your order, you will be given a link where you can download the file or you can log into your account and download the file.
MORE RESOURCES
Team Development Thumball® Set (with Free Mesh Bag) is a ready-to-run bundle of soft, tossable conversation balls loaded with prompts that build trust, communication, and collaboration in corporate retreats, business workshops, or workplace training. Facilitate icebreakers, coaching conversations, and debriefs by simply tossing, catching, and answering the prompt under your thumb—no prep, no slides, just real dialogue that strengthens teams. The stitched panels and durable stuffed vinyl are designed for heavy use.
HOW IT HELPS TEAMS
- Fast engagement: the toss-catch mechanic reduces anxiety and gets everyone talking
- Better communication: printed prompts spark stories, perspectives, and active listening
- Psychological safety: low-risk questions build comfort before tackling tougher topics
- Scalable & flexible: works for stand-ups, workshops, off-sites, classrooms, and retreats
- Zero tech, high impact: portable tools that facilitate face-to-face conversation
- Enhances emotional intelligence, listening, and conflict resolution.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Curated Team Development Thumball® set (multiple conversation balls with printed prompts)
- Free mesh carry bag for storage and quick transport
- Quick-start facilitation tips (toss–catch–answer, pass option, timeboxing, debrief ideas)
The Team Development Thumball Set puts almost 200 content-rich discussion prompts at your fingertips. Whether your team knows each other well, or are just forming new bonds, you're sure to find topics that will build appreciation and understanding. Each ball is easy to use! Just toss one of the 6 balls, then ask the recipient to look under their thumb and respond to the prompt. With this playful tool, your group will be able to explore:
- What makes your colleagues feel HAPPY?
- How do your TEAM DYNAMICS enable or inhibit success?
- Are you sensitive to Issues of DIVERSITY and INCLUSION?
- Is your team in sync when it comes to values and ETHICS?
- What's causing STRESS and how can it be managed?
- How you can promote positive LEADERSHIP?
The Team Development Thumball Set is conveniently packaged in a large mesh bag, which allows you to carry them around comfortably and stay organized.
Each Silver Series Thumball™ (6" stuffed vinyl ball) looks like a cool soccer ball but is pre-printed with 32 questions/discussion prompts that have been vetted by subject matter experts. They are suited for adults and teens alike! Following are more details about each of the popular Silver Series Thumballs in the Team Development set:
- The Get Happy at Work Thumball prompts help create a more positive workplace by allowing colleagues to share goals, discuss challenges, and build relationships. Focusing on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Meaning, Accomplishments, and Relationships, the prompts help surface sources of happiness as they draw out individuals' personal qualities, work challenges, professional goals, and organizational dynamics. By putting a positive spin on important discussion topics, the Get Happy at Work Thumball helps promote optimism, identify areas for organizational improvement and build a happier workplace.
- The Team Dynamics Thumball enables conversations that promote team spirit and boost flagging energy. Teams are everywhere – at work, at home, at school, on and off playing fields. From board rooms to church basements, we're thrown together with people we may or may not know well, and are challenged to achieve great results. Is your team performing to the max? How do you support each other? How do you develop consensus and manage disagreements? Team Dynamics Thumball is a playful way to raise these critical questions so that your teams can reach their full potential.
- The Be a Leader Thumball gets the conversation going about what skills great leaders possess, and guides players through a bit of introspection as they consider their own leadership strengths or opportunities for improvement.
- The Diversity Thumball is a fun training tool that tackles a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity. We live in a diverse world. Some differences are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges and age. Others may not be visually apparent, but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, use or non-use of alcohol, allergies, intellect, depression and other emotional diseases.
- The Workplace Ethics Thumball raises questions and fosters discussion about individual and organizational norms and ideals, regarding making and breaking rules, fostering ethical leadership, whistle blowing, bending the truth, and more. It helps in having rich conversations about the types of people you look to as a moral compass; how you'd handle different situations; what integrity, rules, ethics, and fairness mean to you; and how your organization or team handles ethical issues. How do you distinguish right from wrong? Is your idea of ethical obligations and responsibilities the same as your colleagues, friends and family?
- The Stress Management Thumball helps you explore the causes of stress and the various ways you might manage its impact. Teams can discuss what affects their stress level, how they can help each other out, how they can better manage their own approach to stress, and more.
Note: Specific Thumball® titles in the set may vary; each ball is focused on teamwork, leadership, and communication themes.
WHEN TO USE
- Kickoffs & new team formation
- Manager training & leadership development
- Retrospectives & after-action reviews
- Onboarding, cross-functional meetups, and offsites
- Icebreakers, energizers, and closing reflections
HOW TO FACILITATE
- Invite a volunteer to start; toss the Thumball® across the room.
- When caught, the player reads the panel under their thumb and shares a brief response.
- Toss to another person and repeat. Offer a “pass” option to keep psychological safety high.
- Debrief: capture patterns, insights, and next steps for the team.
FAQS
Q: What makes Thumball® different from typical icebreakers?
A: Prompts are printed on the ball, so no prep is needed. The playful toss reduces pressure, encourages participation, and keeps energy high.
Q: How many people can play?
A: Ideal for groups of 6–25. For larger groups, use multiple balls or run parallel circles.
Q: How long does a round take?
A: 5–15 minutes for a quick opener; 20–40 minutes for deeper discussion and debrief. It's good to model what sort of answers you're looking for. If an answer isn't thorough, feel free to say, "tell me more..."
Q: Who is this for?
A: Team leaders, facilitators, trainers, educators, and coaches who want a quick, effective way to strengthen team dynamics.
Q: How do I care for the balls and bag?
A: Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Store dry in the mesh bag to keep everything together between sessions.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
MORE RESOURCES
Emotional Intelligence is a skill that allows people to be more effective in their roles at work and at home. It’s not just touchy-feely stuff and being able to name your feelings. Rather, it enhances employee retention and engagement, customer service, collaboration, and crisis management.
5 SKILLS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Emotional Intelligence (a.k.a. EQ) is associated with five skills. Develop your teams’ EQ by facilitating conversations that help participants grow more aware of their motivations, measure their reactions to difficult situations, and hone techniques to manage those emotions in empathy and social acumen. The five skills are:
- Self-Awareness [SA]
- Motivation [MO]
- Self-Regulation [SR]
- Empathy [EM]
- Social Skills [SS]
EQ THUMBALL PROMPTS
Each conversation prompt on the Emotional Intelligence Thumball indicates the skill with which it is associated. Use the two-letter EQ skill codes (MO, SA, SR, EM, and SS), to build awareness of the skills, while building the skills themselves!
For example:
- "What contributes to distrust?" is followed by [EM] for Empathy
- "How could someone regain composure after snapping?" lists [SR] for Self-Regulation
- "What holds you back from being your best YOU?" has [SA] for Self-Awareness
30 prompts are listed on the Thumball, specifically:
- Self-Awareness [SA] - 7 prompts
- Motivation [MO] - 5 prompts
- Self-Regulation [SR] - 5 prompts
- Empathy [EM] - 6 prompts
- Social Skills [SS] - 7 prompts
FROM A DELIGHTED TRAINER, WINSOME CULLEY
MULTIPLE WAYS TO FACILITATE THE GAME
Adjust your play to make more or less of those skill areas:
- Have recipients of the ball read the question aloud before answering.
- Ask other players to guess which skill is referenced by conversation prompt.
- Discuss why that prompt is categorized that way and what other skills might be addressed
- Answer the question for yourself
- Have other players answer the same question
- Discuss differences among the answers
- If a player isn't sure how to answer, invite them "take a pass," consult a colleague, or choose another prompt
- Don't rush! Remember that thoughtful answers sometimes take a moment to think about. Offer to come back to the person for their answer after they've had time to consider it.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
MORE CONVERSATION STARTERS BY TRAINERS WAREHOUSE
In addition to Silver Series Thumballs, Trainers Warehouse offers a range of other products to help build relationships, draw out learning, and inspire conversation about meaningful topics. Such products include Conversation Cards and UNZIP-IT Decks. Some facilitators prefer decks because they enable players to have small group conversation with 1 or 2 other participants before sharing with a larger group of players.
Create good vibes! Don't wait for momentous events to give positive feedback. Get peace of mind -- you'll never miss a chance to say Thanks! Good Job! whenever the occasion arises.
Set up your own Appreciation Station, so that managers, team leaders, trainers and teachers can easily dash off a note of recognition and appreciation.
5 THEMES ENSURE YOU HAVE THE MESSAGE YOU NEED, WHEN YOU NEED IT!
Buy an assortment of all 5 styles -- you'll get 8 pads in each style.
- Kudos for Work (Orange) Use these clever notes liberally to boost learners' and colleagues' spirits, recognize large or small contributions, and inspire continued effort.
- Kudos for Colleagues (Blue) When groups are learning and growing together, they have a keen appreciation for where each team member started, and what they've accomplished. These pads give team members a tool to recognize one another's contributions to the group.
- KUDOS for Growth and Learning (Green) Support a "Growth Mindset" by giving KUDOS when people take a risk, stick with a problem, make great contributions, show improvement, take the time to do things right, and more. KUDOS Green notes are perfect for long-term projects, processes, and learning. They'll help you recognize the effort your group is making and encourage recipients to keep up their good work.
- Kudos for Values (Red) Let your teammates or employees know when they are exemplifying your organizational values and mission. Use these clever notes liberally to "Walk the Talk" with employees and colleagues. Recognition for matching or exceeding corporate values and goals will lift their spirits and inspire continued effort.
- Kudos for Teams (Gold) Lets teammates share positive thoughts with one another. If you're not on location, at the same time, leave a friendly handwritten note.
Kudos Note Pads -- Set of 40 Pads (25 sheets/pad; Each pad is approx. 4" x 5.5".)
MORE WAYS TO USE KUDOS NOTES!
Kudos notes don't only need to be written by teacheres or trainers. Trainer Nora Gerber was kind enough to share her facilitation notes with us, explaining how to use them as "task cards," whereby participants can:
- Learn about positive behaviors
- Self-assess their own strengths
- Look for opportunities to grow
5 TIPS FOR USING KUDOS NOTES, INCLUDING TO TEACH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)
EQ Thumball® Set is an emotional intelligence training game that helps teams and classrooms build self-awareness, empathy, and trust. This team-building icebreaker ball sparks conversation with every toss, turning abstract EQ concepts into interactive learning. Talk about self-awareness, empathy, trust, resilience, collaboration, and more. Perfect for leadership development, coaching, or social-emotional learning programs, the EQ Thumball® makes emotional intelligence training active and memorable.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Improve emotional self-awareness and self-regulation
- Build trust and empathy in teams
- Encourage resilience and stress management
- Enhance listening and interpersonal communication skills
DEVELOPING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Make it easy to talk about Emotional Intelligence in a fun and casual way, as well as build these five essential EQ competencies:
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Regulation
- Motivation
- Empathy
- Social Skills
THE EQ THUMBALL SET
Emotional Intelligence is the capability of individuals to recognize their own emotions and those of others, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, and manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or achieve one's goal(s).
We've specially selected this set of 6 Silver Series Thumballs, with more than 150 discussion topics, to stimulate conversations around Emotional Intelligence. Choose a ball that will help stir up simple conversation or develop deeper understanding about the world around you. The balls are super easy to use! Just toss it to another player and ask the recipient to look under their thumb and respond to the prompt.
- Set of 6 EQ-focused Thumballs® Each Silver Series Thumball (6" stuffed vinyl ball) looks like a cool soccer ball but is pre-printed with 32 questions/discussion prompts. They are suited for adults and teens alike!
- Each ball features conversation prompts that build emotional intelligence skills
- Durable, soft 6″ fabric balls with stitched panels
- Free mesh carrying bag
Following are more details about each of the popular Silver Series Thumballs in the Emotional Intelligence set:
- Emotional Intelligence Thumball: Develop your teams’ EQ by facilitating conversations that help participants grow more aware of their motivations, measure their reactions to difficult situations, and hone techniques to manage those emotions.
- Building Trust Thumball: Build bridges by fostering trust and respect and developing shared understanding about interests, values, and sensitivities.
- Common Ground Thumball: Discover shared experiences and interests. As you try to generate conversation to build new friendships and relationships, a key challenge is finding "common ground." This ball offers a fun way to uncover these commonalities.
- What Makes You You Thumball: Set the groundwork for deeper conversations. It was developed to help groups scratch below the surface and explore motivations, goals, and what makes you tick.
- Developing Resilience Thumball: Explore how individuals and teams can foster patience, acceptance, gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, and personal composure.
- Getting to Know You Thumball: Ask probing questions that get to your phobias, wishes, and favorite moments. For individuals who know each other pretty well already, it's an excellent way to dig a little deeper and learn something more!
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
WHY FACILITATORS LOVE THIS SET
- Active learning: Gets participants moving, talking, and thinking—ideal for experiential training.
- Deeper connections: Prompts explore emotions, trust, communication, and personal growth.
- Versatile: Use for icebreakers, coaching, team-building, or leadership development.
- Inclusive engagement: A safe, playful way to bring every voice into the conversation.
BEST USES
- Leadership training and coaching
- Team-building and staff retreats
- Classroom discussions on social-emotional learning (SEL)
- Conflict resolution and diversity workshops
FAQS
Q: How do you play?
A: Toss the Thumball®, catch it, and answer the question under your thumb. It’s that simple—and it works for groups of 4+ participants.
Q: What skills does the EQ set build?
A: It's an excellent emotional intelligence training game! The prompts focus on emotional intelligence—helping participants explore self-awareness, empathy, trust, resilience, and communication.
Q: Can I mix sets?
A: Yes! Many facilitators combine different Thumball® sets to align with training themes or keep activities fresh.
Q: Who uses EQ Thumballs® most?
A: Trainers, HR teams, facilitators, teachers, and coaches who want to build stronger, more self-aware teams.
Q: How durable are they?
A: Each 6″ ball is made with stitched, fabric panels for long-lasting use in training, classrooms, and workshops.
FROM A DELIGHTED TRAINER, WINSOME CULLEY
COMPARE THUMBALL® SETS
Not sure which set is right for you? Here’s how the EQ Thumball® Set stacks up against other popular Trainers Warehouse Thumballs®:
| Set | Number of Balls | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Team Development | 6 | Team dynamics, leadership, stress, workplace ethics |
| Getting Acquainted | 6 | Icebreakers, introductions, common ground |
| EQ (Emotional Intelligence) | 6 | Emotional awareness, trust, resilience, empathy |
| Sessions | 3 | Session openers, reviews, and closers |
| Diversity & DEI | 3 | Diversity, equity, inclusion conversations |
| Just for Fun | 6 | Favorites, “Would you rather?”, energy breaks |
| Wellness | 6 | Stress, resilience, happiness, healthy change |
MORE RESOURCES
All about Silver Series Thumballs
Tips & Suggestion on Facilitating Thumball Experiences
7 Tips to formulate great questions
More tools for great conversations
A team challenge for innovation and prototyping!
The Marshmallow Challenge is a remarkably fun and instructive design exercise that encourages teams to experience simple but profound lessons in collaboration, innovation and creativity.
If you need to kickstart a meeting, get a team into a creative frame of mind, or simply want to encourage your organization to think about what it takes to dramatically increase innovation, invest 45 minutes to run a marshmallow challenge.
This broadly circulated team building experience was recently popularized by Tom Wujec, who presented a TED Talk on the subject. The Marshmallow Challenge is to build the tallest possible free-standing structure, which will support one marshmallow on the top, using only 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape and one yard of string -- in exactly 18 minutes!
ALL IN ONE CONVENIENT KIT
We've assembled all the parts into one convenient kit!
- bag of marshmallows
- box of spaghetti
- roll of masking tape
- roll of cotton twine
- tape measure
- 5 scissors
- 5 paper lunch bags
- Facilitation Notes for how to run the exercise
- 1 see-through vinyl tote to carry it all!
Surprising lessons emerge when you compare teams' performance. Who tends to do the worst? Why? Who tends to do the best? Why? What improves performance? What kills it?
The Marshmallow Challenge team building game is among the fastest and most powerful techniques for improving a team's capacity to generate fresh ideas, build rapport and incorporate prototyping -- all of which lie at the heart of effective innovation.
Challenging Assumptions: Creative Problem-Solving Game is a deceptively simple yet powerful 10–20 minute innovation training activity that reveals how our assumptions can limit creative thinking. Using four color-coded puzzles (red, blue, green, orange), this activity accommodates up to 16 participants in small groups of 3–4—sparking "aha!" moments as learners confront and question their mental models.
Learners working with this activity, aware that it is being used on programs with an element of creative thinking or innovation, often say things such as, “I'm going into this with a really open mind” or “I'm not going to make any assumptions about this.” However, these words are often uttered as they are making those very assumptions! As they realize this, the response is often laughter, surprise and a genuine recognition of the strength of some of our personal mental models. SPOILER ALERT: The "big assumption" in this activity is that all of the puzzle pieces should NOT be turned "face up" with the color showing!
Use this exercise at the start of any creative thinking or problem-solving process or to illustrate the need to make a significant change in strategy!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Four differently colored puzzles designed for breakout use (up to four groups)
- Facilitator manual with step-by-step instructions, debrief guides, and reflection prompts
WHY IT WORKS
- Quick impact: Fits into tight agendas—ideal as an intro or energizer
- Builds awareness: Exposes how unconscious assumptions shape (and limit) our thinking
- Highly social: Small groups foster collaboration and insight through shared reflection
- Scalable and versatile: Use as an icebreaker or as a catalyst for deeper innovation labs and strategy session
NOTE. It's even received an award! It was the Winner of Camp Gamicon's "Best Use of Surprise & Delight in Gamification" and "Outstanding Gamification for Learning" in 2022.
HOW TO FACILITATE
- Divide learners into groups of 3–4, each receiving one puzzle box (by color: red, blue, green, orange).
- Allow 10–20 minutes for teams to solve the puzzle without instructions—then pause interaction.
- Debrief: Ask participants to reflect out loud where assumptions got in the way: “What did you assume that slowed you down?”
- Use guided follow-up questions to explore how assumptions influence problem-solving and how to break mental patterns.
FAQS
Q: How many people can participate in this innovation training activity?
A: The set supports up to 16 participants across four simultaneous sub-groups—ideal for small group dynamics and reflections.
Q: What experience does this create?
A: Expect laughter, surprise, and that lightbulb moment when teams realize how deeply personal assumptions shape their approach—often in ways they didn’t notice.
Q: How should I structure the debrief?
A: Prompt groups to share where they assumed too much. Ask: “What past experience blocked you? How did you adapt?” This opens awareness of self-limiting thoughts.
Q: What makes this activity unique?
A: Its simplicity belies its power—no complex materials, yet it reveals entrenched thinking patterns. Plus, it’s award-winning for its ability to surprise and delight learners.
Q: Are translations available?
A: Yes—the facilitator guide includes versions in other languages, including Latvian and Spanish.
Breaking Patterns to build Innovation Skills
So simple but such a powerful message! This activity lasts between 10 and 20 minutes and is an ideal way of raising the awareness of a group of learners about the preconceptions and assumptions we bring into new situations. This is very valuable in problem-solving or innovative thinking processes as it highlights how we can limit our thinking and reject new possibilities if they do not fit with our existing patterns.
This activity works particularly well in small groups (3 or 4 people) with a number of observers. If the players are asked to ‘think aloud' and describe what they are doing and thinking, observers can note the patterns that either limit or progress their problem-solving. It is illuminating to see how often people will identify new approaches and then reject them as being stupid, or hold on to past experiences, such as looking for corners amongst the pieces. With little facilitation, they soon recognize the need to be confident, bold and creative when tackling an unknown task!Each toolbox contains 4 puzzles of different colors (red, blue, green and orange) designed to work with a group of up to 16 people, in up to four independent sets of up to 4 people per set, comparing and contrasting approaches to 'Challenging Assumptions'.
Challenging Assumptions is a carefully researched and designed group learning activity from RSVP Design.
This amazing Emotional Intelligence Activity lets players practice emotional intelligence skills! Take turns picking one of the EQ Game 50 Situation Cards and reading it aloud. The fun and learning begin when players choose a Self-Awareness Card that describes how they're feeling, then select a few EQ Skills Cards (Self-Management, Social Awareness, or Relationship Skills) that might help them deal with the sticky situation.
OVERVIEW OF THE EQ GAME
- PURPOSE: The purpose of the EQ game is to provide practice in emotional intelligence skills. Players pick a situation card, read it aloud, then play a Self-Awareness Card AND one or more EQ Skills Cards. After playing a round, players can discuss practical solutions to the situation, then score the round.
- PLAYERS: The game can be played by up to 8 people
- TIME: Expect to play for 30-60 minutes.
EQ GAME PARTS
Situation Cards (50/deck):
- Self-Awareness/Self-Management focused situation, followed by 2 questions;
- Social Awareness / Relationship Skills situation, followed by 4 questions.
Response Cards:
- Self-Awareness Cards (54 cards)
- EQ Skills Cards (60 color-coded cards for Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Skills)
For trainers who may want a quick activity for a larger group of up to 25 participants, the Situation Cards can be used by themselves. The game has enough Situation Cards for up to 25 people, who can work in groups of 4-6 to discuss the situations described on the cards and figure out the emotionally intelligent way to respond.
PLAYING THE EQ GAME
Before playing, explain the model to the group by saying, "It takes emotional intelligence to deal successfully with these situations. We'll learn the EQ basics in four key areas, below."
| Self-Awareness | Social Awareness |
| Self-Management | Relationship Management |
-
Give each participant a Situation Card. Ask:
- Have you ever been in this or a similar situation?
- What do you need to do to handle this kind of situation?
- Introduce each competency and facilitate a discussion using these questions.
- Self-Awareness: Ask the group: What are some strong feelings you've experienced recently? What were the circumstances? Are you always aware of what you are feeling?
- Self-Management: Engage the group in a discussion of any of the following topics: How to you bounce back after a setback (resilience)? How to you manage your feelings and resources in a difficult situation? How do you get started on a difficult project (initiative)? How to you maintain a positive outlook as much as possible? How do you control your disruptive emotions and impulses?
- Social Awareness: Engage the class in a discussion of empathy—what makes it the foundation of social awareness and how we can empathize.
- Relationship Management: Explain that the key to managing relationships well is flexibility, calmness, kindness, and clarity. Engage the class in discussion about where they have seen others be flexible, calm, kind, and clear. Ask for specific examples.
- Play The EQ Game.
MORE RESOURCES
Colourblind® Communication Team Building Kit is communication team building exercise. It's a proven experiential learning activity that builds communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Originally developed in 1991 to train Air Traffic Controllers in Great Britain—where zero margin for error is acceptable—Colourblind® has since been used worldwide across industries, languages, and cultures. Today, it is recognized by the ILM (Institute for Leadership and Management) as a Preferred Learning Material for leadership and management training.
GAME OVERVIEW
Wearing blindfolds to ensure total dependence on verbal communication, participants work together with a set of small, irregular, colored plastic shapes. The challenge: identify two missing pieces from a complete set of 30. Success requires clear descriptive language, active listening, questioning, summarizing, and feedback to achieve a shared understanding. The exercise can run 20–40 minutes and is highly adaptable for both in-person and remote teams, making it especially valuable for customer service and support roles where clarity matters most.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Develop effective two-way communication skills under challenging conditions
- Strengthen team problem-solving and collaboration
- Practice listening, questioning, and feedback for clarity
- Adapt communication styles to meet the needs of diverse teammates
- Build a common vocabulary and shared meaning around abstract concepts
- Understand cultural nuances in communication and teamwork
- Apply lessons to remote communication channels (phone, email, virtual meetings)
WHY FACILITATORS USE COLOURBLIND®
- Proven history: From Air Traffic Control training to Fortune 500 workshops, trusted for over 30 years.
- Universal relevance: Used in leadership, customer service, cross-cultural, and team development programs worldwide.
- Engaging format: Blindfolds and tactile pieces create just enough challenge to make the learning memorable.
- Scalable: Works with groups of 4–28; larger groups can assign observers to enrich the debrief.
FAQS
Q: What group size is recommended for Colourblind®?
A: The blindfolded problem-solving activity works best with groups of up to 14 participants. Larger groups can be included by assigning observer roles to watch communication patterns and contribute insights during the debrief.
Q: How much space do we need?
A: Allow enough space for everyone to sit comfortably and communicate clearly. A horseshoe-shaped arrangement of chairs is ideal, so blindfolded participants can easily receive the plastic pieces and share feedback with teammates.
Q: How does the Colourblind® game work?
A: Each participant is blindfolded and given a selection of plastic pieces. Working only with verbal communication, the group must collaborate to identify two missing shapes from a complete set of 30. The challenge highlights how complex communication becomes when visual cues are removed—and how much teams rely on clarity, feedback, and shared understanding to solve problems.
Q: How much time is needed to run the exercise?
A: Most groups complete Colourblind® in 20–30 minutes. The exact timing depends on group size, problem-solving approaches, and how effectively the team develops clear communication strategies.
Q: Why is this team building exercise valuable?
A: Colourblind® is designed to simulate real workplace communication challenges, where teams often rely on verbal channels like phone, email, or chat without shared visual context. The activity creates ambiguity and mild frustration that mirror everyday miscommunication. To succeed, participants must practice precise language, active listening, feedback, and clarification—essential skills for reducing conflict and building effective collaboration at work.
GAME ORIGINS: Colourblind® was developed in 1991 when our colleague, Dr. Geoff Cox, designed and delivered the first week of an induction training programme for Air Traffic Control cadets. Each cadet facing an intensive, demanding training programme in which teamwork and communication skills would be fundamental to success. Each, ultimately, would accept professional responsibilities which allow absolutely no margin for communication error, misunderstanding or ambiguity.
Colourblind® enabled participants to rehearse every communication skill which Air Traffic Controllers need and to highlight the problems and pitfalls which communication breakdown inevitably brings when there is no visual common ground
Since 1991 Colourblind® has been used worldwide across languages, cultures and business backgrounds, to focus on the fundamental skills of great communication.
Colourblind is also part of our Education Sector Package for those who wish to use it with students or young people in an educational setting.
SAMPLE CHALLENGE
Which are the two components that are missing from the set of shapes we have in our possession?
" I have a piece that is like a rectangle with points and a hole in the middle."
"Yes, I have one too...two points and a circular hole."
"Yes, I think I have one...does it look like a Capital A?"
"No, not an A...like a rectangle with a diamond shape lying over it..."
"Would you describe it as an arrowhead?"
"Like a triangle, but instead of having three flat sides one is an arc..."
"Does anyone know what an arrowhead is in Italian?.."
VIEW THE DEMO
INCLUDES
- 20 blindfolds (re-usable)6 puzzle pieces in each of 5 colors (total of 30 pieces)
- Facilitator Manual - full guide with set-up, delivery and review suggestions
Package Weight: 2 lbs
Colourblind is designed by RSVP Design Ltd, now validated by ILM.
WATCH THE SHOW & SHARE DEMO AND DISCUSSION
Build community one piece at a time!
Break the ice and build community spirit!
HOW IT WORKS
Hand out one puzzle to each group of participants, and ask them to illustrate their puzzle piece(s) with images that represent their company, role, values, challenges, or anything else. Creativity and pride will blossom when everyone sees how their piece contributes to the whole.
56-piece puzzle includes 26 edges and 30 inside puzzle pieces; Overall puzzle measures 24” x 28”, but can be expanded infinitely.
THE PUZZLE PIECES
Please note the following piece sizes:
- Small pieces – 2" x 3.125"
-
Medium pieces – 3.125" x 5.125"
- Large pieces – 5.125" x 5.125"
Each puzzle comes packed like a jigsaw puzzle in a box, disassembled.
Here's how one customer used this great product! (Thanks to Vanessa Gomes!)
These puzzles are also sold in bulk packages of 10. See #GACJPB.
Dive into conversations about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the DEI Thumball by Trainers Warehouse. The DEI Thumball, a favorite diversity and inclusion game, tackles a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity.
After all, building community and culture by understanding our individual identities and differences isn’t just nice-to-do. It’s our shared responsibility. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical to creating high-performing, supportive, and engaging workplaces. Unfortunately, many leaders are unsure about how to have conversations about these sensitive topics and then how to transform the discussions and intent into action. Like other diversity training SMEs, make this diversity training game a core component of your next DEI training event!
The D-E-I Thumball helps team leaders, teachers, and managers have safe and constructive conversations about identity, experiences with racism, community challenges, privilege and power, as well as ways to promote tolerance and feelings of belonging.
In addition to the 31 conversation prompts contained on the Thumball, you’ll find FACILITATION TIPS and a GLOSSARY of common DEI terms in the packaging.
Many people worry about saying the wrong thing during DEI conversations. As a result, these important conversations often don’t happen. The DEI Thumball is loaded with poignant conversation prompts about identity, experiences, community, us-versus-them thinking, privilege and power, and DEI in today’s world. Each prompt, vetted by diversity experts, is phrased to promote positive conversation and shared understanding.
Thumball™ is a soft 6" stuffed vinyl ball that looks like a cool soccer ball. Its panels are pre-printed with questions suited for adults and teens. Safely toss it around in a group and ask participants to share their reaction to whatever prompt lies under their thumb. Looking for more DEI resources? Try the Diversity Thumball or the DEI Remote UNZIP-it that lets you have great conversations during online learning events as well!
FEATURES
- 31 prompts about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- 6" ball is safe to toss indoors
- Conversation prompts vetted by industry experts
- Facilitation notes included in packaging
- Glossary of common DEI terms in packaging
VERSATILE DIVERSITY-EQUITY & INCLUSION PROMPTS include...
Identity - share aspects of your identity that affect your life
Experiences - discuss times you felt belonging, targeted, micro-aggression, etc.
Our community - consider organizational initiatives to promote inclusion
Us vs Them thinking - identify allies who are alike or different from yourself
Privilege and Power - explore concepts of power dynamics, privilege, and oppression
DEI Today - discuss current dynamics that influence people's participation in DEI efforts
©Trainers Warehouse 2023
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
FACILITATION TIPS
TIP 1: Create a safe environment – Beyond sharing your goals and wishes for open dialogue, discuss ways in which the group can create “psychological safety.”
- Recognize that everyone joins the conversation with unique experiences and knowledge. Embrace players’ needs to pass on a question or ask for explanations.
- Acknowledge the difficulty in sharing personal information and offer support. Use “OUCH” signs, to indicate personal hurt or express empathy.
- Listen and ask questions to understand and empathize, not to defend, debate, or rationalize.
TIP 2: Set ground rules together – Players are more likely to abide by ground rules if they help define them. The group’s list will likely look something like this:
- One person speaks at a time
- Speak for yourself; Use “I” statements
- Seek understanding by asking for clarification
- Critique ideas, not people
- Agree to disagree. Disagree without being disagreeable
- Listen and validate other players
- Be open to new ideas, not judgmental
TIP 3: Be prepared if conversations get sticky – Equip yourself with a few techniques to ease emotional situations
- Revert to the ground rules, as needed
- Express how situations make you feel
- If parties disagree, suggest they switch roles and make the counter argument
- Keep a “parking lot” of difficult topics to be addressed later
- Share your own personal stories
- Take a break and regroup later
- Thank participants for sharing
TIP 4: Establish a shared vocabulary – Define common terms in the DEI world’s evolving lexicon.
Ally / Allyship: Someone who supports a group other than one’s own
Anti-Racist: a person who opposes racism and promotes racial equality.
BIPOC: An acronym used to refer to Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
Conversation across difference: open discussions about peoples’ different beliefs and backgrounds.
Micro-Aggression: Verbal or nonverbal slights which communicate derogatory or negative messages to target persons. i.e. “You are a credit to your race.” “I jewed him down.” “Why are you so loud/quiet?”
Psychological safety: refers to an environment in which team players can take risks without fear of retribution or negative consequences.
Unconscious Bias: stereotypes about certain groups of people that form outside individuals’ conscious awareness. Common biases are based on gender, race, weight, ageism, beauty, name, height, etc.; i.e. consider this riddle: a father and son are in a horrible car crash that kills the dad. The son is rushed to the hospital; just as he’s about to go under the knife, the surgeon says, “I can’t operate—that boy is my son!” How can this be? The surgeon is the boy’s mother
NOTE: This ball is part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.
©Trainers Warehouse 2023
MORE RESOURCES
- Tips & Suggestions on Facilitating Thumball Experiences
- How Deep to Discuss
- 7 Tips to formulate great questions
- More tools for great conversations
- Discover Your Thumball Style
- How Deep to Discuss Infographic
- Ground Rules Signs
- Tips for facilitating difficult situations
UNZIP-it!™ AND TALK ABOUT TOPICS THAT MATTER!
It's time to open up the conversation and talk about the unspeakable! Pop a bunch of pertinent questions into the UNZIP-it!™ zipper mouth and pass the pouch from player to player. Unzip the playful pocket and pull out a discussion topic to spark conversation and build relationships. Invite recipients to pull out a topic, read it to the group and respond.
Stuff the pocket with the deck of 30 pre-printed cards. Each deck contains the same prompts as its namesake Thumball (you can customize any blank cards with your own discussion prompts).
UNZIP-it!™ WITH A DIVERSITY DECK
The Diversity deck is fun training tool that tackles a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity. We live in a diverse world with many differences that are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges and age. Many other differences may not be visually apparent, but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, virginity, use or non-use of alcohol, allergies, intellect, depression and other emotional diseases. (Click on the card images to see the prompts)
Pocket: 8” x 6”
Cards: 3.5” x 2.5”
DIVERSITY CONVERSATION PROMPTS
Explore the topic of diversity by chatting about these topics:
- Sources of your attitudes towards people unlike yourself
- Experiences in which you felt like an outsider or shared an unpopluar idea
- Important aspects of your identity that feel important
- Origins and experiences with prejudice
- Ways to combat discrimination and make others feel included
- Bias based on gender, disabilities, age, race, sexual identity...
THE INSCRIPTION SETS THE STAGE FOR SHARING
Feeling shy about speaking out?
Or, not sure what to talk about?
It's easy now to start the flow,
And have discussions bloom and grow.
Unzip the pouch and pick a topic,
Big and broad, or microscopic,
A prompt that doesn't dig too deep,
Or one that makes you take a leap.
Go ahead, reach in and pick it,
Read the prompt and then UNZIP-it!
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
** TIPS & FACILITATION SUGGESTIONS **
Take turns circulating the UNZIP-it!™ Ask players to answer the prompt they've pulled out of the pouch
If you want to kick it up a notch, try these creative twists:
- Ask players to anticipate what answer will be given by another player.
- Have players recall answers given by previous responders, before adding their own answer.
- Ask first recipient to select a question panel to which all players must respond or contribute.
- Ask listeners what they think the prompt was.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
MORE RESOURCES
Create an amazing community mosaic with these 43 interlocking tessellation puzzles pieces. Have every participant illustrate a piece with their goals, interests, interpretations, personal history, etc.
Think of your Community Mosaic as a quilt for all ages. The pieces fit together any-which-way, making this fun for small groups or huge ones!
Invite participants to decorate their puzzle piece in their own style and in accordance with your preferred theme.
TRAINING & FACILITATION IDEAS
A few of our customers shared these applications and ideas:
- Have participants "decorate" their piece to reflect a strength (a leadership strength, facilitation strength, something they're good at, etc. Use those either at the start of your session as a means of introducing participants to each other, or at the end of a session, as a feel-good closer.
- Consider including 6 qualities or functions on each piece -- one on each prong, and discuss how each of those could impact others in the group.
- Move the pieces around like gears to remind groups of how different aspects and/or contributions can affect or "roll off" on others.
- To explore the interdependence of different roles, functions, or individuals, illustrate each on mosaic piece. Have groups discuss how those roles "touch" and impact many others. Revolve them like gears to appreciate the many others they might impact.
- Organize and reorganize the pieces to discuss where individuals see themselves in the team or organization.
COMMUNITY MOSAIC TESSELLATION FEATURES
Some call the interlocking shapes "puzzle pieces." Others think of them as flowers or snowflakes. Whatever you call them, the set features:
- 43 interlocking shapes
- Every piece fits together with every other piece
- Uncoated surface takes all sorts of markers (even watercolors), without smudging
- Individual pieces measures about 3.5" wide
FILL 'EM UP WITH ANY MARKERS
You can use any sort of markers, crayons, glitter, etc. The more colorful, the better. You'll want to remind participants that the mosaic will look best if everyone decorates the whole surface of their piece, including the tabs that stick out the sides of each piece. If participants would like to practice their artwork or try different ideas, encourage them to trace the shape onto a sheet of paper.
A PUZZLE AS BIG AS YOUR GROUP!
If you like symmetry, these layouts show several possible configurations using 36 to 43 pieces. For larger projects just keep adding pieces to reach the desired size. This unique tesselation can increase in size infinitely!
GET GREATIVE!
Community Mosaics are creative and colorful reflection of your cohort! Try one of these themes:
Workplace/Training ideas
- Ah Ha moments
- Team Identity
- Group Projects
- Leadership Qualities
School ideas
- Personal identity or Positive Character Traits
- Science/Nature
- Social Studies
- Reading themes and characters
- Religious verses, stories, or holidays
ASSEMBLY & DISPLAY
Although pieces hold together without a bit of "product," you can easily save and post your mosaic by adhering pieces with contact paper, puzzle glue, or Trainers Warehouse Omni-Tabs. Adhesives are not included.
In LEGO® Activities for Training, you’ll find each activity contains easy step-by-step instructions to set up and debrief the exercise, as well as time and materials needed. Plus, find tips to integrate the game activity into a larger training session!
These activities are suitable for experienced or novice Trainers, Facilitators, Educators, and Coaches. Those who consider themselves novices should expect to take extra minutes to think through their needs and be very clear on the PURPOSE and CONTEXT of the session.
21 ADAPTABLE EXERCISES
Each activity is designed to start conversations. For maximum effectiveness, you may need to make some adjustments to the instructions or timing. Use these notes as a guide but feel free to make changes to suit the needs of your team or conduct deeper discussions. NOTE: copy written in red italics indicates words you will speak.
LEGO® ACTIVITIES FOR TRAINING INCLUDES
The deck includes:
- FAQs
- LEGO brick suggestions
- Icebreakers and Introductions - 7 activities
- Communication Skills - 7 activities
- Team Dynamics - 7 activities
COLLECTING THE RIGHT LEGO BRICKS
The deck DOES NOT INCLUDE Lego building materials. However, LEGO bricks are readily available new (at toy stores) and used (ebay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) While you can use any LEGO bricks for these activities, you may want to consider the following:
- LEGO® Explorer Bags & LEGO® Serious Play Starter Kits: These sets work well if you want everyone in the team to have the same selection of bricks. They’re also ideal in exercises requiring players to duplicate another team’s model.
- More isn’t always better: A smaller selection of bricks can be helpful with storytelling and metaphors.
- Base plates: Extra base plates help when asking people to create a scene or move about the room to share their creations with others.
- Mini-figures and Special bricks: Pieces such as eyes, flags, and wheels etc., help create a variety of scenes. Mini Figures are useful for expressing interactions between people.
- Keepers: Allowing learners to keep their LEGO® model can help with memory and retention, as well as spreading the word about your LEGO®-based training.
7 ICEBREAKER ACTIVITIES
- My Accessories (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Introductions and assessing knowledge.
- Build a Creature (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Introductions and making links to personality.
- My Monday Morning (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Creative introductions that link to roles.
- Five Piece Speed Build (6 mins + 1 min PL sharing) - Quick introductions that can link to efficiency and time management.
- Build a Tower (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Introductions that use a tower as a metaphor for experience (or anything else).
- Surprise Surprise! (8 mins + 2 min PL sharing) - Make deeper connections through sharing.
- My Journey so far... (8 mins + 3 mins PL sharing) - Explore how people evolved to their current roles and the experience they bring with them.
7 COMMUNICATION SKILLS ACTIVITIES
- Build an Animal (10-30 mins) - Start a discussion about clear instructions and interpretations.
- Build My Duck (20-30 mins) - Highlight what happens when communication is sporadic and unclear.
- My Duck's Better Than Yours! (20-30 mins) - Explore the nuance of “great” vs. “best.”
- The “RIGHT” Duck? (5-10 mins + Discussion) - Demonstrate the importance of clarity.
- Making Connections (5-10 mins + Discussion) - Illustrate how more people, means more interpretations.
- Picture This (15-30 mins) - Show how visual images are seen differently, or explore the impact of limited resources.
- Persuasive Communications (20-30 mins) - Increase confidence in approaching others.
7 ACTIVITIES FOR TEAM DYNAMICS
- Follow the Leader (20-30 mins) - Highlight that the role of leader in a team isn’t always what you imagine.
- The Value of Values (30-40 mins) - How one’s values may link or clash with the team.
- Defining Company Values (60 mins) - Allow teams to explore company values in more depth.
- Hanging off the Edge (30-40 mins) - Get the team working together to come up with a solution to a unique challenge.
- Sabotage (30-40 mins) - Explore how people may approach a task differently depending on their goals.
- Ask Me! (20-30 mins) - Discover the talents of each team member.
- Beyond the Team (30-40 mins) - Highlight the impact of additional stakeholders.
NOTE: LEGO® is not associated with this product
What's My Leadership Style?, by Mary Blitzer Field, is a management development and leadership style assessment that identifies leadership style and helps organizational leaders, managers, and supervisors improve performance and become effective leaders.
Part of the best-selling HRDQ Style Series, What's My Leadership Style is a validated assessment that quickly and accurately identifies a preference for one of four behavioral patterns based on measures of assertiveness and expressiveness: Direct, Spirited, Considerate, or Systematic.
With increased awareness of their personal style and a practical mental framework to build upon, aspiring leaders can assess and adjust their own actions, interpret the behavior of others, and improve their ability to win hearts and minds in any situation calling for effective leadership.
What's My Leadership Style? starts with a leadership style assessment in which individuals are given 20 pairs of actions relating to leadership behavior. With a limit of 5 points, assessment-takers distribute points between the two actions in each pair - indicating the degree to which they prefer either action when acting as a leader. The result of scoring the assessment is the identification of one's preferred leadership style: Direct, Spirited, Considerate, or Systematic. Completing the assessment requires approximately 10 minutes.
TIMING: After the assessment has been scored, we recommend you allow approximately 1 hour for interpretation of scores, topic discussion, debrief, and action planning. The Facilitator Guide also offers an easy-to-follow workshop outline that expands What's My Leadership Style into a 2-hour program.
INCLUDES:
- Facilitator guide
- Sample assessment materials
- Overview of What's My Leadership Style
- Introduction
- Administering What's My Leadership Style
- Experiential Learning Methodology
- Background Information
- Technical Development
- References
- Optional Activities
- Sample Training Design
- Blank Training Outline
- Related Materials from HRDQ
- Certificate of Achievement Template
- Training Evaluation Template
- Overhead Transparency Masters
- Sample Self Assessment
- CD-ROM including Reproducible Handouts and PowerPoint Presentation
- Assessment with pressure-sensitive response form
- What is Leadership?
- What is Style?
- Leadership + Style = Leadership Style
- Interpretive Information
- Is There a Best Leadership Style?
- Characteristics of Each Style
- Applying What You've Learned
Learning Outcomes
- Identify personal leadership style
- Learn how to capitalize on style strengths
- Discover how to minimize style trouble spots
- Learn how to "flex" personal style to interact most effectively with others
ZIN OBELISK GAME
This challenging mathematical puzzle is made even more complex, by using made-up words in the fictitious, ancient city of Atlantis, where a solid, rectangular obelisk -called a zin - was built in honor of the goddess Tina. The structure took less than two weeks to complete and the group's task is to determine the day of the week on which the obelisk was completed.
To play, each participant receives 1-5 clues, which can only be shared verbally. Together, teams must figure out the day the Obelisk was completed. Success requires organization, leadership, coordination, listening, problem solving, and processing skills. Most groups require 15-25 minutes to arrive at a solution.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Have clearly defined goals
- Collaborate! Work together
- Share the leadership
- Share knowledge-on complex tasks, one person rarely has all the answers
- Listen to each other
- Clearly articulate ideas
- Manage ambiguity through discussion
- Make sure everyone has a common understanding of terminology
USES FOR Zin Obelisk - Yse this mathematical team challenge to:
- Make discussions more productive
- Enhance problem solving skills
- Increase clarity of communications
- Discover productive team behaviors
- Foster participation and involvement
- Improve awareness of others
- Improve listening skills and questioning techniques
Enhance a variety of training and development initiatives:
- Communication and Listening Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Team Building
- Leadership Development
- Cooperation
- EQ & El Skills
TIME: 30-60 mins for Introduction, Gama Play, Debrief, and Closure.
PARTICIPANTS: 5-8 players per team; multiple teams can play against each other.
Working remotely? Email a few clues to each player and try to sort it out over the phone--maybe with a shared online whiteboard! After all clear phone communication is more important now than ever!
** TIPS **
Feel free to adapt the full facilitation notes included as a booklet in the card deck to the needs of your group and your material:
- Display the instructions on an overhead, flip chart, or whiteboard. Or, give a printed copy to each team.
- Keep notes during the exercise so you can refer to them during the debrief.
- If the group did not discuss their process during the activity, share a handout explaining the definitions and differences between Task-Related and Process-Related discussions.
- Record "learning points" on a flip-chart for follow-up and future reference.
Start talking about topics that matter with the Emotional Intelligence Conversation Deck.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CONVERSATION PROMPTS
Emotional Intelligence is a skill that allows people to be more effective in their roles at work and at home. It’s not just touchy-feely stuff and being able to name your feelings. Rather, it enhances employee retention and engagement, customer service, collaboration, and crisis management.
5 SKILLS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Emotional Intelligence (a.k.a. EQ) is associated with five skills. Develop your teams’ EQ by facilitating conversations that help participants grow more aware of their motivations, measure their reactions to difficult situations, and hone techniques to manage those emotions in empathy and social acumen. The five skills are:
- Self-Awareness [SA]
- Motivation [MO]
- Self-Regulation [SR]
- Empathy [EM]
- Social Skills [SS]
On each card, below the conversation starter question, you'll see the EQ skill that the question addresses or develops.
PLAYING WITH CONVERSATION DECKS
Pairs of 2 or 3
To play, deal a card to each participant. Have participants stand, find a partner, and discuss the questions on each of their cards. When their conversation has run its course, invite them to swap cards and hold their arm in the air, indicating to other players that they're ready to find a new partner. Repeat this process as time allows.
Table Talks
If your group isn't too big or you want to build camaraderie at a table, have each person in the group choose a card and answer the question. If you have enough time, ask each speaker a couple of follow-up questions. Alternatively, have others at the table answer those same questions for themselves. Then, swap cards, or pick new cards from the top of the deck.
1-2-4-All
Expert Trainer, Nora Gerber, shares facilitation notes on using the 1-2-4-All approach with the Emotional Intelligence UNZIP-IT! Deck. Tips include:
- Writing a note-to-self
- Pairing up to discuss stories of different experiences
- Huddling in groups - to discuss each of the four skills in more depth:
-
- Self-Awareness [SA
- Motivation [MO]
- Self-Regulation [SR]
- Empathy [EM]
- Social Skills [SS]
- Returning to the big group to explore opportunities for individual and group development.
Look under your thumb and share! Use the Diversity and DEI Thumballs to playful explore serious topics.
We live in a diverse world. Some differences are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges, and age. Others may not be visually apparent, but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, use or non-use of alcohol, allergies, intellect, depression, and other emotional diseases. Trainers Warehouse's Silver Series Thumballs focusing on DEI explore both personal connections to the topic and organizational initiatives.
VETTED BY EXPERTS
Every prompt in our Diversity and DEI Thumballs has been reviewed by seasoned diversity trainers, with the understanding that not everyone using these balls will be an expert facilitator in this topic. Each prompt was designed with the goal of enabling individuals to:
- Speak for themselves
- Think about their own identity
- Consider their own experiences in feeling like an outsider
- Explore the origins of their thoughts about diversity
- Consider ways they can show empathy and create a welcoming environment
DIVERSITY THUMBALL
Diversity Thumball, originally introduced by Trainers Warehouse in 2015, has gone through a few revisions since its inception. It tackles a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity. Use the prompts to explore the topic of diversity by chatting about these topics:
- Sources of your attitudes towards people unlike yourself
- Experiences in which you felt like an outsider or shared an unpopular idea
- Important aspects of your identity that feel important
- Origins and experiences with prejudice
- Ways to combat discrimination and make others feel included
- Bias based on gender, disabilities, age, race, sexual identity...
D-E-I THUMBALL
The D-E-I Thumball has a bit of a different bent. We wanted to push a little further to enable team leaders, teachers, and managers to have safe and constructive conversations about identity, experiences with racism, community challenges, privilege and power. We wanted to expand the set of discussion prompts to promote greater tolerance and feelings of belonging. Ultimately, we decided there was "room" for two complementary diversity-focused Thumballs.
What's on the ball? Many people worry about saying the wrong thing during DEI conversations. As a result, these important conversations often don’t happen. Each prompt on this Thumball is phrased to promote positive conversation and shared understanding.
- Identity - share aspects of your identity that affect your life
- Experiences - discuss times you felt belonging, targeted, micro-aggression, etc.
- Our community - consider organizational initiatives to promote inclusion
- Us vs Them thinking - identify allies who are alike or different from yourself
- Privilege and Power - explore concepts of power dynamics, privilege, and oppression
- DEI Today - discuss current dynamics that influence people's participation in DEI efforts
THUMBALL FEATURES
Each Thumball™ is a soft 6" stuffed vinyl ball that looks like a cool soccer ball and has 31 panels pre-printed with questions suited for adults and teens. Safely toss it around in a group and ask participants to share their reaction to whatever prompt lies under their thumb.
- PHYSICALLY SAFE: 6" ball is safe to toss indoors
- 31 PROMPTS: With so much content, if someone wants to choose a favorite question... why not?
- EMOTIONALLY SAFE: Conversation prompts are vetted by industry experts.
- TIPS: The packaging includes facilitation notes to help ensure that the experience is positive for everyone. In addition to tips, ground rules, and what to do if situations get sticky, the DEI Thumball includes a glossary of common terminology.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
WATCH THEM IN ACTION
View these videos to see how to use our Thumballs and have a conversation about Diversity and Inclusion:
FACILITATION TIPS
FACILITATION TIP 1: EXPLAIN & SET GOALS
Introduce the activity by explaining: "We live in a diverse world. Some differences are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges and age. Others may not be visually apparent, but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, addictions, abstinence, allergies, intellect, depression or other emotional disorders, etc. The goal is to understand each other better and start a dialogue."
FACILITATION TIP 2: SET GROUND RULES
Explain that conversations about diversity and bias can be emotionally charged. The goal is to share our experiences of feeling different or excluded and identify ways to create a more welcoming, diverse and compassionate community. So that everyone can feel safe, have the group set up their own Ground Rules. Here are some that you might want on the list:
- Only one person speaks at a time
- Speak only for yourself; use “I” statements
- No personal attacks – critique ideas, not people
- Agree to disagree; disagree without being disagreeable
- Listen – make sure everyone feels heard and validated
- Be positive and non-judgmental; open to new ideas
FACILITATION TIP 3: IF CONVERSATIONS GET STICKY
Expert diversity facilitators suggest these techniques to ease difficult or emotional situations:
- Pause the conversation so you can review the ground rules with the group.
- As the facilitator, share how an experience made you feel.
- Ask others how an experience made them feel.
- If two parties disagree, suggest that they switch roles and make the counter argument.
- Keep a flip chart of difficult topics that can be addressed later.
- Allow attendees to volunteer their participation as they feel comfortable.
- Ask others for input on how they have handled similar situations.
- Be ready to share some of your own personal stories.
- Take a break. Stop for awhile and regroup.
- Thank participants for sharing their personal stories.
NOTE: These balls are part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.
The Developing Mentors & Coaches Thumball takes players through a playful activity that explores their personality and preferences on a range of topics. It's a creative way to get to know each other a bit better.
Many are called upon to coach or mentor a colleague, friend, or “newbie,” with little understanding of what effective coaching and mentoring look like. The task of developing others and helping them grow can be critical to organizational success. It can also be richly fulfilling and energizing to the coach or mentor.
This developmental Thumball focuses on improving the skills of coaches and mentors themselves, not the individuals they seek to help. The 31 prompts on the ball will help them better understand their role, the benefits of helping others grow, and effective coaching/mentoring techniques at their disposal.
It's easy to play! Catch the ball, look under your thumb, and share your reaction to the prompt.Thumballs look like soccer balls but are are soft and safe for indoor use at work, school, and home.
MENTORING AND COACHING THUMBALL PROMPTS
This ball is designed to help build the skill of new and seasoned coaches and mentors. Understandably, the roles and techniques used by coaches and mentors differ, as you will likely discuss when facilitating this activity. Nonetheless, the skills needed to help others grow, the self-awareness required to be good at it, and the challenges faced when coaching and mentoring others are similar and complementary. As such, players are encouraged to adapt the prompts to their specific role and needs.
FACILITATION TIPS
- Explain the goal. To become better mentors and/or coaches. Explain that the ball has questions for both roles and the player can adapt their question and answer to their needs.
- Don’t rush. Appreciate that some may not be able to give quick answers; others might want to take some time to discuss their thoughts.
- Give players a “pass.” If a player finds a prompt particularly difficult, invite them to take a PASS, ASK A FRIEND, or TOSS AGAIN.
A VARIETY OF GAME FORMATS
- Have everyone reply to the same prompt.
- Toss the ball from player to player, so each participant can reply to a different prompt.
- Take a deep dive and have players jot their own answer before discussing the topic with a partner or small group.
- Add-in other Thumballs for more variety.
©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.
NOTE: This ball is part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.
Energize a Webinar, Remote Learning Session, or Online Meeting with UNZiP-it! Remote. Even if you aren't face to face, make it fun to pick a question and get conversations rolling. Read the poem and pick a question:
Feeling shy about speaking out?
Or, not sure what to talk about?
It's easy now to start the flow,
And have discussions bloom and grow.
Click the button below to pick a topic,
Big and broad, or microscopic,
A prompt that doesn't dig too deep,
Or one that makes you take a leap.
Go ahead, just press to pick it,
Read the prompt and then UNZiP-it!
BE A LEADER PROMPTS
In this unique Leadership Deck, find a full range of conversation starters, including:
- Leadership traits that I have or aspire to have in myself and my team
- Ways to motivate, inspire, and recognize employee contributions
- Methods for dealing with disagreement, decision making, and mistakes
- Reflections on challenges, frustrations, delegation, and impatience
- Approaches to promote growth and learning
Techniques to get buy-in, promote diversity, and share feedback
The Be A Leader prompts get the conversation going about what skills great leaders possess, and guides players through a bit of introspection as they consider their own leadership strengths or opportunities for improvement
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION FORMAT
The PowerPoint file is saved as a "pptm" file, containing a Macro. Once you enable the content, the UNZiP-it! Button will select a random discussion prompt.
[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]
This is a downloadable product. After you've placed your order, you will be given a link where you can download the file or you can log into your account and download the file.
Showing 25/80
