open · Team Building, Icebreaker · 30–60 min · 2-20 people · low energy
Personal Maps
Personal Maps are a visual exercise to help team members understand each other's backgrounds, interests, and values. By creating and sharing these maps, individuals build empathy and strengthen connections, improving collaboration and trust.
When to use Personal Maps
Use this method to onboard new team members, kick off a project, or address communication barriers within a team. It's particularly useful when team members have limited knowledge of each other's personal and professional lives.
What it solves
Lack of understanding and empathy among team members, leading to miscommunication and conflict.
How to run Personal Maps, step by step
- (5 min) Introduce the concept of Personal Maps and explain the benefits of understanding each other better.
- (20 min) Instruct each participant to create their own Personal Map, starting with their name in the center and branching out to categories like home, education, work, hobbies, family, friends, goals, and values. Encourage them to add details they feel comfortable sharing.
- (25 min) Facilitate a sharing session where each person presents their map to the team, answering questions and elaborating on key points.
Materials needed
- Large sheets of paper or digital mind-mapping tools
- Pens, markers, or colored pencils
- Optional: PowerPoint or Google Slides for digital maps
Facilitator tips
- Encourage participants to be creative and use visuals to represent their information.
- Emphasize that participants should only share what they are comfortable with.
- Create a safe and supportive environment for sharing.
Common pitfalls
- Participants feeling uncomfortable sharing personal information. - Reiterate the voluntary nature of the exercise and encourage sharing at a comfortable level.
- Superficial maps lacking depth. - Encourage participants to reflect on their values and goals to add more meaningful content.
Variations
- Team Celebration Map: Focus on team accomplishments and shared experiences.
- Values Map: Center the map around personal and professional values.
Running it online or hybrid
Participants can create digital maps using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or online mind-mapping software. Facilitate sharing and discussion via screen sharing and video conferencing.
What it produces
A collection of personal maps visually representing each team member's key aspects.
Origin
Adapted from Management 3.0 — source
Build a session around Personal Maps
METODIC places Personal Maps inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.