Are you looking for an energising activity to encourage learners to share their Team Management Profiles (TMPs) in a fun way?

If yes, TMS Speed Dating is the answer. If Speed Dating is not a term you think your learners will be comfortable with, you can always change it to something else like Speed Networking or Speedy Meetings. But remember the purpose is the same whatever the name - to fast-track information sharing within teams.

Here are some simple step-by-step instructions below.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Find an open space
2. Arrange pairs of chairs randomly around the room
3. Explain the aim of the game:

• For example: “The aim is to talk about and explore our Team Management Profiles. This is a fast paced exercise which will shed light on the similarities and differences between us.”

4. Explain the rules:

• People will get together in pairs (or trios if there is an odd number) and have a conversation about their TMPs
• Each pair has only 4 minutes for both people to share something about their TMP.

Trainer tip: To keep conversations fresh and focussed, tell participants that you will give them one specific question to discuss in each round. Try these suggested questions below or make up your own.

TMS Speed Dating Questions

• What is my major role preference and how does it relate to me at work?
• What motivates me? What areas of work do I enjoy?
• Something from my Profile that surprised me is… It surprised me because…
• What do I contribute to this team and what do I need from others to make this contribution?
• Some please do’s and don’ts for communicating with me are…

Trainer tip: If participants have a preference for introversion and you do not want to put them on the spot, you may like to ask the group to consider each of the questions beforehand and prepare some responses.

• After 4 minutes, the facilitator will say ‘Change’ to signify a new round. Pairs must disband and link up with someone new. The next 4-minute round starts immediately.

Trainer tip: If the group is particularly noisy, try chiming a bell or playing a specific song every time you want to signify a new round.

5. Get started!

We always love hearing about games and activities other people use in their workshops. If you would like to share one of yours, just add a comment below!

For more TMS games and activities to make your workshops more fun and engaging, purchase our new Games TMS People Play: Third Edition.

Best wishes,

Sarah Eqbal