![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika1-1.jpg\")
It is precisely this parameter that can be responsible for an unproductive meeting, poor business results, lack of mutual understanding, or uneasy and tense mood. The so-called \u201cicebreaker\u201d is actually an activity, a game or an event that is used to warm up the mood
\nand help open up communication between participants in meetings, team building events, and different types of training. In short, icebreaker games are recommended for any type of gathering that requires the participants to relax and interact with each other. The right
\nselection of icebreakers results in every member of the team or group feeling like the people
\npresent have known each other for years.
Different types of icebreaker games
\nDepending on the occasion and purpose, there are several types of icebreaker games that can be used at business meetings. The first type is the one that serves as pure fun \u2013 the fun icebreaker. If the participants \u2013 in this case the employees \u2013 already know each other, laughter and conversations that result from an icebreaker will help to warm up the mood in the group. If the people are strangers to each other, the game breaks the ice and everyone has a chance to find out and learn about their new colleagues and team members. Here are some question examples:
\n \u2022 If you could change your name, what new one would you choose and why?
\n \u2022 What slogan best describes your life?
\n \u2022 If tomorrow you had the opportunity to wake up like an animal, what animal would that be and why?
\n \u2022 If you could be of a certain age forever, what age would it be?
Examples may seem trivial, but if you think about them, no matter how long the employees have known each other, they most likely don\u2019t know every little thing about each other. And if they think they do know each other, we recommend the Guessing game. This type of icebreaker doesn\u2019t require a lot \u2013 just pens and paper. Everyone writes down something
\nabout himself/herself that h e/she believes none of the others know. For example: \u201cI\u2019m afraid of dogs\u201d, \u201cI do not eat lemons\u201d or \u201cI want to visit Madagascar.\u201d Then all the messages are collected, mixed, randomly picked out, and read aloud. While the messages are being read, the employees guess who wrote what. Trust us, it\u2019s really fun!
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika3.jpg\")
The next type of icebreakers is the one that is actually the introduction to team building. More precisely, this type of game requires the group to identify and/or specify things and/or qualities in common with the rest of the group. It\u2019s like sort of a \u201cpre-team building.\u201d Put people in groups of four to five randomly. Tell each group that their first task is to write something they all have in common, but it can\u2019t be anything to do with work. And of course, be prepared for answers like \u201cWe all have socks/hands/feet/t-shirts.\u201d ![\"\ud83d\ude42\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/12.0.0-1/72x72/1f642.png\")
. When they
\nanswer this question, next they should do is name ten qualities they share with the people sitting at the table.
Then, tell each group that they need to choose one person who will take notes and read them after completing the task. Find a volunteer who will do it first, and then everyone else should follow. Reading lists like this is always an excellent source of fun, laughter, and discussion. People like to look for qualities they have in common with others in their own and other groups. They compare their list with others, which leads to a more free and open communication and sharing principles.
\nGroups do not need more than 10 \u2013 15 minutes for the entire process (depending on the
\nnumber of groups), so the game doesn\u2019t take much time, and the result is more than satisfactory \u2013 relaxed and smiling employees ready for their next tasks.
\n\nThe benefits of icebreaker games:
\n– You will quickly get the employees\u2019 attention
\n
\n– Barriers between the participants will gradually dissolve
\n– People will get to know each other very quickly
\n– Help generate new ideas
\n– Communication becomes more relaxed
\n– The coworkers slowly start interacting with each other at a more intimate level
Another icebreaker that is very useful is the one whose purpose is an activity based on the purpose of the meeting itself. For example, it is often used as a questioning approach for business events and activities \u2013 through some form of brainstorming. Teams can meet to discuss and analyze meetings or for team building events that are organized every year. By thinking and talking about things that have been successfully accomplished \u2013 as well as those that have not given the best results \u2013 each team member gives his/her opinion about these things, and this discussion functions as an icebreaker. There are many more types of these games, but they are all really a combination of these three types.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika2-2.jpg\")
How to get a successful icebreaker game?
\nYou will surely find a number of game examples. But, as we said at the beginning, it is crucial to choose the right one, one that is appropriate for the particular occasion, in order to get results. In line with this, here\u2019s some general advices about what should and should not be done when starting this activity:
\n \u2022 Give the participants enough time
\n \u2022 Play so as to create a relaxed mood
\n \u2022 The games should be simple and short, as should instructions be
\n \u2022 Be prepared to improvise in case it becomes necessary
\n \u2022 Play if the participants come from different areas/departments of companies
\n \u2022 Do not suggest games you know that will make someone uncomfortable
\n \u2022 Do not force people to participate
What icebreaker games did you take part in?
\nThe post How to Relax and Embrace the Atmosphere at Meetings? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Business meetings today are a big and indispensable part of modern business. And – you\u2019d probably agree – they\u2019re not always enjoyable. Especially when people don\u2019t know each other much or at all.\nIt is precisely this parameter that can be responsible for an unproductive meeting, poor business results, lack of mutual understanding, or uneasy and tense mood. The so-called \u201cicebreaker\u201d is actually an activity, a game or an event that is used to warm up the mood\nand help open up communication between participants in meetings, team building events, and different types of training. In short, icebreaker games are recommended for any type of gathering that requires the participants to relax and interact with each other. The right\nselection of icebreakers results in every member of the team or group feeling like the people\npresent have known each other for years.\n\nDifferent types of icebreaker games\nDepending on the occasion and purpose, there are several types of icebreaker games that can be used at business meetings. The first type is the one that serves as pure fun \u2013 the fun icebreaker. If the participants \u2013 in this case the employees \u2013 already know each other, laughter and conversations that result from an icebreaker will help to warm up the mood in the group. If the people are strangers to each other, the game breaks the ice and everyone has a chance to find out and learn about their new colleagues and team members. Here are some question examples:\n \u2022 If you could change your name, what new one would you choose and why?\n \u2022 What slogan best describes your life?\n \u2022 If tomorrow you had the opportunity to wake up like an animal, what animal would that be and why?\n \u2022 If you could be of a certain age forever, what age would it be?\nExamples may seem trivial, but if you think about them, no matter how long the employees have known each other, they most likely don\u2019t know every little thing about each other. And if they think they do know each other, we recommend the Guessing game. This type of icebreaker doesn\u2019t require a lot \u2013 just pens and paper. Everyone writes down something\nabout himself/herself that h e/she believes none of the others know. For example: \u201cI\u2019m afraid of dogs\u201d, \u201cI do not eat lemons\u201d or \u201cI want to visit Madagascar.\u201d Then all the messages are collected, mixed, randomly picked out, and read aloud. While the messages are being read, the employees guess who wrote what. Trust us, it\u2019s really fun!\n\nThe next type of icebreakers is the one that is actually the introduction to team building. More precisely, this type of game requires the group to identify and/or specify things and/or qualities in common with the rest of the group. It\u2019s like sort of a \u201cpre-team building.\u201d Put people in groups of four to five randomly. Tell each group that their first task is to write something they all have in common, but it can\u2019t be anything to do with work. And of course, be prepared for answers like \u201cWe all have socks/hands/feet/t-shirts.\u201d . When they\nanswer this question, next they should do is name ten qualities they share with the people sitting at the table.\nThen, tell each group that they need to choose one person who will take notes and read them after completing the task. Find a volunteer who will do it first, and then everyone else should follow. Reading lists like this is always an excellent source of fun, laughter, and discussion. People like to look for qualities they have in common with others in their own and other groups. They compare their list with others, which leads to a more free and open communication and sharing principles.\nGroups do not need more than 10 \u2013 15 minutes for the entire process (depending on the\nnumber of groups), so the game doesn\u2019t take much time, and the result is more than satisfactory \u2013 relaxed and smiling employees ready for their next tasks.\n\nThe benefits of icebreaker games:\n– You will quickly get the employees\u2019 attention\n– Barriers between the participants will gradually dissolve\n– People will get to know each other very quickly\n– Help generate new ideas\n– Communication becomes more relaxed\n– The coworkers slowly start interacting with each other at a more intimate level\n\nAnother icebreaker that is very useful is the one whose purpose is an activity based on the purpose of the meeting itself. For example, it is often used as a questioning approach for business events and activities \u2013 through some form of brainstorming. Teams can meet to discuss and analyze meetings or for team building events that are organized every year. By thinking and talking about things that have been successfully accomplished \u2013 as well as those that have not given the best results \u2013 each team member gives his/her opinion about these things, and this discussion functions as an icebreaker. There are many more types of these games, but they are all really a combination of these three types.\n\nHow to get a successful icebreaker game?\nYou will surely find a number of game examples. But, as we said at the beginning, it is crucial to choose the right one, one that is appropriate for the particular occasion, in order to get results. In line with this, here\u2019s some general advices about what should and should not be done when starting this activity:\n \u2022 Give the participants enough time\n \u2022 Play so as to create a relaxed mood\n \u2022 The games should be simple and short, as should instructions be\n \u2022 Be prepared to improvise in case it becomes necessary\n \u2022 Play if the participants come from different areas/departments of companies\n \u2022 Do not suggest games you know that will make someone uncomfortable\n \u2022 Do not force people to participate\nWhat icebreaker games did you take part in?\nThe post How to Relax and Embrace the Atmosphere at Meetings? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-03-20T16:48:54+01:00", "date_modified": "2018-03-20T16:48:54+01:00", "author": { "name": "Milica Novak", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/milicanovak/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Milica-Novak.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/naslovna-30.jpg", "tags": [ "atmosphere", "fun", "icebreaker games", "meetings", "productive meetings", "team atmosphere", "Hot topics", "NEWS" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/positive-team-atmosphere-is-key-to-success/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/positive-team-atmosphere-is-key-to-success/", "title": "Aleksandar Vasilijevic: Positive Team Atmosphere Is Key to Success", "content_html": "Several years later, he left for Montenegro to run Saint Stefan\u2019s Villa Montenegro. After he returned to Serbia he took on the role of reception manager at the newly opened Country Club Hotel Babe. He then transferred to the President in Kovilovo, where he was in charge of the housekeeping and reception departments. However, Aleksandar\u2019s \u201creal\u201d hotel story started at the hotel Zira in Belgrade.
\n![\"Aleksandar](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Aleksandar-Vasilijevi\u0107-General-Manager.jpg\" "\\"Aleksandar")
There he was met with crucial support from the then hotel manager Mr. Richard Bamford, who recognized Aleksandar\u2019s great potential. As he often points out, this is the man who has helped his career most and whom he sees as his mentor. After Mr. Bamford left, Aleksandar
\nassumed the duties of general manager at the Zira, where he stayed until 2012. This year was a professional turning point \u2013 he was invited to take up the reins at the Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade. Today, Aleksandar Vasilijevic is one of the leaders in the Serbian hotel industry, and the atmosphere in his team is regarded as one of the hotel\u2019s trademark.
Over the past 18 years, we have been witnessing great technological advancement that resulted in global changes in nearly every industry \u2013 the hotel industry was no exception. Much has changed, but above all I would say that present-day guests\u2019 way of thinking
\n has changed the most. The guests are more demanding and have far greater access to information; they are already extremely knowledgeable before they even arrive in a particular destination or at a particular hotel… Hospitality professionals have no choice but to adapt, adopt new technologies, use social media, monitor online reviews, etc. In short, the hotel industry was forced to keep pace with novelties and \u201crevamp\u201d itself. Digitization has taken over the lead, and those who don\u2019t get in on the act will not be able to survive.
All employees know my expectations very well, and I would be lying if I said that I never expected success. As the general manager, I had to believe in that success so that \u2013 in the days filled with challenges \u2013 I would be able to pass it on to my team. I think that the team is precisely one of the main reasons that our hotel has become synonymous with high quality service. Our guests often comment how they feel a relaxed and positive ambiance at our hotel, and this is possible only if you have a good, happy team of people. I believe that this also answers the second question regarding the principles I subscribe to when it comes tomanagement. Together with the rest of the management, I strive to foster a trustful ambiance. Employees know that they have to work hard, but at the same time they are welcomed with understanding and a relaxed ambiance.
\n![\"Falkensteiner](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/verzija-za-text.jpg\" "\\"Falkensteiner")
Of course, in addition to the impressive conference space we offer (more than 700 m2 including a banquet hall, four multifunction rooms, two boardrooms, and two conference foyers), a deciding factor is also the tailored service we provide during event preparations and organization, attention to detail, flexibility, and high quality catering at our events, which has now become a trademark of ours.
\nAll I need to say here is: Dusko, Marko, and Dragan \u2013 who are on the frontlines \u2013 as well as Nadja and Erzebet, who are in charge o fbanquet sales and event preparation. All of them have been with us from the very opening and make up a tight team that I am extremely proud of. It may sound like a clich\u00e9, but a good team is made up of good people, and we try to surround ourselves only by those. Sometimes even pure luck \u2013 allowing you to meet good candidates and recruit them \u2013 also factors in. And turning good candidates into excellent employees and keeping them in the team \u2013 now that\u2019s serious work.
\n![\"Falkensteiner](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Falkensteiner-Hotel-Belgrade-tim-sa-SEEbtm-Award-priznanjem.jpg\")
I\u2019ve already mentioned the Falkensteiner has a relaxed vibe about it. Our people just like coming to work. And it\u2019s well known that relaxed breeds creativity. For example, when our employees have an issue and also a suggestion, they\u2019re not afraid to bring them forth. Yes, our employees indeed work hard, but they know very well that we as their employers are there to support them in every sense of the word.
\nThe post Aleksandar Vasilijevic: Positive Team Atmosphere Is Key to Success appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Now at the helm of the Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade \u2013 a leader among hotels in the region \u2013 General Manager Aleksandar Vasilijevic started down his career path at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade\u2019s reception desk 18 years ago.\nSeveral years later, he left for Montenegro to run Saint Stefan\u2019s Villa Montenegro. After he returned to Serbia he took on the role of reception manager at the newly opened Country Club Hotel Babe. He then transferred to the President in Kovilovo, where he was in charge of the housekeeping and reception departments. However, Aleksandar\u2019s \u201creal\u201d hotel story started at the hotel Zira in Belgrade.\nAleksandar Vasilijevic, General Manager, Falkensteiner Hotel Blegrade\nThere he was met with crucial support from the then hotel manager Mr. Richard Bamford, who recognized Aleksandar\u2019s great potential. As he often points out, this is the man who has helped his career most and whom he sees as his mentor. After Mr. Bamford left, Aleksandar\nassumed the duties of general manager at the Zira, where he stayed until 2012. This year was a professional turning point \u2013 he was invited to take up the reins at the Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade. Today, Aleksandar Vasilijevic is one of the leaders in the Serbian hotel industry, and the atmosphere in his team is regarded as one of the hotel\u2019s trademark.\nYou have been in the hotel industry since 2000. How much has the industry changed since that time?\nOver the past 18 years, we have been witnessing great technological advancement that resulted in global changes in nearly every industry \u2013 the hotel industry was no exception. Much has changed, but above all I would say that present-day guests\u2019 way of thinking\n has changed the most. The guests are more demanding and have far greater access to information; they are already extremely knowledgeable before they even arrive in a particular destination or at a particular hotel… Hospitality professionals have no choice but to adapt, adopt new technologies, use social media, monitor online reviews, etc. In short, the hotel industry was forced to keep pace with novelties and \u201crevamp\u201d itself. Digitization has taken over the lead, and those who don\u2019t get in on the act will not be able to survive.\nThe Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade opened in December 2012, and not long ago it celebrated a very successful five-year run. Were you aware back then that you would exceed expectations in terms of business results? What main principles guide you when it comes to hotel management?\nAll employees know my expectations very well, and I would be lying if I said that I never expected success. As the general manager, I had to believe in that success so that \u2013 in the days filled with challenges \u2013 I would be able to pass it on to my team. I think that the team is precisely one of the main reasons that our hotel has become synonymous with high quality service. Our guests often comment how they feel a relaxed and positive ambiance at our hotel, and this is possible only if you have a good, happy team of people. I believe that this also answers the second question regarding the principles I subscribe to when it comes tomanagement. Together with the rest of the management, I strive to foster a trustful ambiance. Employees know that they have to work hard, but at the same time they are welcomed with understanding and a relaxed ambiance.\nFalkensteiner Hotel Belgrade, New Year’s Party\nThis hotel is a frequent choice among event planners. What do you think largely determines this choice?\nOf course, in addition to the impressive conference space we offer (more than 700 m2 including a banquet hall, four multifunction rooms, two boardrooms, and two conference foyers), a deciding factor is also the tailored service we provide during event preparations and organization, attention to detail, flexibility, and high quality catering at our events, which has now become a trademark of ours.\nIn 2016, the Falkensteiner received the SEEbtm Award \u201cBest Conference and Banqueting Staff\u201d. What makes a good team and how is a winning team formed and created?\nAll I need to say here is: Dusko, Marko, and Dragan \u2013 who are on the frontlines \u2013 as well as Nadja and Erzebet, who are in charge o fbanquet sales and event preparation. All of them have been with us from the very opening and make up a tight team that I am extremely proud of. It may sound like a clich\u00e9, but a good team is made up of good people, and we try to surround ourselves only by those. Sometimes even pure luck \u2013 allowing you to meet good candidates and recruit them \u2013 also factors in. And turning good candidates into excellent employees and keeping them in the team \u2013 now that\u2019s serious work.\nFalkensteiner Hotel Belgrade Team with SEEbtm Award\nHow do you encourage productivity and creativity among your team members?\nI\u2019ve already mentioned the Falkensteiner has a relaxed vibe about it. Our people just like coming to work. And it\u2019s well known that relaxed breeds creativity. For example, when our employees have an issue and also a suggestion, they\u2019re not afraid to bring them forth. Yes, our employees indeed work hard, but they know very well that we as their employers are there to support them in every sense of the word.\nThe post Aleksandar Vasilijevic: Positive Team Atmosphere Is Key to Success appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-03-20T15:18:43+01:00", "date_modified": "2018-05-04T10:32:25+02:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/naslovna-seebtm.jpg", "tags": [ "belgrade", "fALKENSTEINER HOTEL BELGRADE", "general manager", "hotel", "success", "Team", "team atmosphere", "Interviews" ] } ] }