Icebreaker: Hit or Myth?

What is a 'myth' according to the Oxford English Dictionary?

Every cloud has a silver lining is an example of a common myth.

Which of the following is NOT listed as a common myth in the document?

What is one reason why we might still think a myth is correct?

The myth 'Customers never listen to the announcements we put out' suggests that _____ do not care.

What is one action we can take regarding myths in a business context?

Icebreaker: Hit or Myth?

This icebreaker is designed to highlight how assumptions and "myths" can influence decision-making.
The duration of the exercise is 10-20 minutes.
A "myth", in this context, refers to a widely held, though potentially false, belief or idea.
The activity encourages participants to recognize their own "myths" and challenge them.
Common examples of myths highlighted are:
- Every cloud has a silver lining
- Your only as old as you feel
- Nothing ventured, nothing gained
- The grass is always greener on the other side
- Don’t judge a book by its cover
The activity encourages tailoring these myths to specific business contexts. Examples include:
- Customers never listen to the announcements we put out
- The old way of doing this was much better
- It’s easier to do this without following the procedures
- There’s no point in asking, as you won't get the response you want
The process involves exploring each myth using four key questions:
- How did the myth become rooted in our minds?
- Why might we still think the myth is correct?
- How true is the myth?
- What can we do to change the myth or get rid of it completely?

This engaging icebreaker activity helps participants uncover and challenge common myths that influence decision-making in business. Lasting between 10-20 minutes, the exercise encourages reflection on widely held beliefs and their applicability in various contexts. By recognizing their own assumptions, participants can foster a more open and critical mindset in the workplace.