Some people love to start with icebreakers, while others want to dive right into the content of the meeting. When you do decide to do warm-ups, follow these guidelines for success:

MAKE IT QUICK – Especially the first few times you do a team activity, make sure it lasts no more than five minutes. If your meeting is more than an hour long, you can increase the time accordingly.

INVOLVE EVERYONE – Make sure the activity has everyone actively involved. This means no wallflowers—everyone has something to do or is expected to contribute in some way. If in a very large group, create smaller teams or break out groups that allow everyone to interact and participate in the discussion.

MAKE IT OKAY TO PASS – Some people may not want to participate—for whatever reason. In the introduction, tell your teammates they can say “pass” if they don’t want to participate.

BE RELEVANT – Most folks with go along with the activity if it has some relevance to the team’s work. Introduce the icebreaker, why you chose that activity and what the benefits are – especially if the activity is a game or is unusual.

BE APPROPRIATE – Select an activity that will work with your team’s preferences and styles, education level and background.

KEEP IT SIMPLE – Many teams start out with an easy icebreaker where a question is asked and then each team member answers the question. For example, “Share with us the best team you have ever been on” and then each member answers the question. Initially, stay away from “getting to know you/what’s your hobby” perfunctory questions and those that require elaborate rules and explanations. As the team matures, you may try more personal or elaborate activities.

BE PREPARED – Practice the icebreaker in advance with your family or friends to make sure you understand the rules. Bring instructions, handouts or supplies with you and set up the space appropriately. When it’s time, move quickly into a crisp explanation of the rules. (It’s always a nice touch to post the key rules on an easel chart for all to see.) Make sure everyone understands the rules and processes before you allow them to begin.

BE FLEXIBLE – Adapt the activity to meet the needs of your team. Even though you have prepared yourself with a “dry run,” the activity may not go as planned. That’s okay; go with it! There’s always a learning point – even if the activity is an utter failure in your eyes, debrief the activity in a very real and genuine way. You and your team will learn from the mistake.

KEEP IT LIVELY – After the team has done a few easy icebreakers, try a different type of activity. There are dozen of books on icebreakers, warm-ups, team activities and games that may inspire you to try something different. If you want to encourage flexibility of mind, look for imaginative and creative activities.

ENJOY YOURSELF – If you are looking forward to the warm-up, then others will too. Keep a sense of humor and don’t take side comments too personally.

DEBRIEF THE ACTIVITY – Take a moment to apply the activity to the team’s work. Ask the team, “What happened? What did you learn/ How does it relate to the team’s work? What’s next or is there something we need to do?”

THANK THEM – At the conclusion of the activity, thank everyone for participating and continue with the agenda.