Life Circle — VIP Ice Breaker
Session Length: 90 minutes
Group Size: 6–8 participants
Session Type: Ice Breaker – Trust + Connection
Facilitator Reminders
- Protect the no-advice rule
- Gently interrupt if someone goes long
- Do not rush emotional moments
- Silence is not a problem
- Your calm presence matters more than your words
Your Role as Facilitator
- Hold the structure
- Protect the time
- Protect the safety of the space
- Prevent advice-giving or fixing
- You are responsible for leading the discussion NOT adding insights
Session Instructions & Timing
9:00 – 9:10 (10 min) | Arrival + Framing
Go over ground rules for the session, select a timekeeper, and select a note-taker
Facilitator:
“Here are the ground rules for this session.”
Please read these verbatim:
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“Share only what feels appropriate.”
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“There is no right depth—truth matters more than polish.”
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“No advice, fixing, or problem-solving.”
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“We listen to understand, not respond.”
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“What’s shared here stays here.”
Ask the group to verbally agree before proceeding.
Facilitator:
“Next, I am going to ask for 2 volunteers. I need a timekeeper, plus I need a note-taker. You’ll also get your turn as we proceed.”
If no one volunteers, you should assign someone to each:
- Timekeeper
- Note-taker (tell them they need to record themes only, no names
9:10 – 9:15 (5 min) | Speed Intro
Facilitator: “We will go around the room and ask 3 questions, you have 15 seconds each to answer all 3 questions.”
Ask each person to share (15 seconds each):
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“Name.”
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“Location.”
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“One word that describes how you are arriving today.”
Remind the group:
- This is not about being impressive
- Silence is okay
- We will stay on time to honor everyone
9:15 – 10:00 (45 min) | Life Circle
Time per person: 5 minutes
Adjust timing slightly based on group size if needed.
Life circle session designed to help everyone get to know one another and get into the right mindset.
Facilitator:
“You will have 5 minutes each, one at a time, to answer 3 questions. No one will interrupt you, give you advice, or ask follow-up questions. After your 5 minutes, I will randomly ask one person to take 30 seconds to reflect on what they heard.”
Each participant answers all three prompts:
1. “Where are you in life right now?”
(Personal, professional, or both — whatever feels most true)
2. “What is one thing that feels heavy this year?”
(A responsibility, pressure, transition, or decision)
3. “What is one thing you’re genuinely excited about?”
(Something pulling you forward)
After each person finishes invite one group member to reflect back (30 seconds max):
“What I heard you say was [ ].”
Then move immediately to the next person.
Important Rules During Shares
- No interruptions
- No follow-up questions
- No advice
10:00 – 10:20 | Group Reflection
Time per group: 20 minutes
This is an open group conversation.
Facilitator:
“We’ll now reflect on what we heard as a group. We have 15 minutes, so keep your comments and discussion brief. Reminder, no advice, no follow-up questions. We are just reflecting on what we all shared.”
Ask the group:
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“What theme showed up across multiple people?”
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“What surprised you?”
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“What felt shared or common in this group?”
Note-taker records themes only, not individuals.
10:20 – 10:25 | Frame of Mind
Time per person: 30 seconds
Facilitator:
“Next, I am going to ask each person to complete this sentence.”
Have each person complete this sentence:
“I feel [ ] going into the rest of today.”
10:25 – 10:30 | Closing Anchor
Time per person: 30 seconds
Facilitator:
“Name one word for how you want to show up during VIP day.”
When everyone has shared, if you have additional time, simply network!
Come back to the Main Hall at 10:30.
HAVE FUN!!
