6. Conducting Virtual Brainstorming Sessions

Using conference calls activities to get input for solving complicated problems works well if each person contributes a solution or comment at the beginning of the call. Debate can follow. The facilitator needs to help the group reach a conclusion on the best course of action given the situation.

7. Using Just Three Words

Constraining participants to using just three words in response to a question can serve as both a fun activity and functional tool for limiting verbose participants. The facilitator asks each participant for their answer using a particular order, such as alphabetically by the participant’s last names.

8. Using the Clock Metaphor to Guide Participation

Structuring participation allows everyone to have a chance to speak. The facilitator assigns each person an hour on the clock, depending on how many participants the conference call includes. The person with a “1' gets to speak first. That person speaks until the next person’s time arrives. For example, they can speak for five minutes until the “2' hour mark on the clock is reached. Sequencing participation in this manner ensures all participants have an equal chance to be heard.

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9. Playing a Trivia Game

Brainstorming Games For Work Meeting Online

Playing a trivia game during a conference call can serve as a break from more stressful conference call activities and also serve to reinforce knowledge and facts required to complete project tasks. The facilitator asks participants questions about the news, industry information or project facts. Participants speak up with a phrase such as 'I know the answer' and wait to be recognized before giving the answer. The facilitator can keep score and provide small rewards for correct answers such as gift cards or coupons.

10.Using Brain Teasers

Brainstorming Games For Meetings

Using brain teasers can help prepare a team for thinking critically about a problem. For example, the facilitator can ask all conference call participants to count the number of occurrences of the letter “f' in a sentence he speaks. Or, the facilitator can ask each participant to sit with his right foot off the floor and draw clockwise circles in the area. At the same time, each participant should draw the number six in the air. Typically, participants report their foot changes directions.

Conclusion

Although project team meetings by conference call can limit the interaction somewhat, by incorporating at least one of these 10 great ideas for conference call activities, a project manager can enable his team to bond and forge productive working relationships. Supplementing audio conferencing with video conferencing and the occasional face-to-face meeting can also help build team synergy.

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