First Impressions

First Impressions is a participatory activity that uses a deck of cards containing descriptive words organized by color, representing different communication and leadership styles. Participants receive a set of cards and give them to the individuals they feel embody these words based on their first impressions. This activity encourages reflection on initial perceptions, self-awareness, and appreciation of diversity within a group.

Preparation

1. Define the purpose:
   • Reflect on how first impressions influence our perceptions of others.
   • Promote self-awareness and understanding of diverse communication and leadership styles.
   • Create an environment for collaborative learning and constructive feedback.
2. Prepare materials:
   • A deck of cards with descriptive words organized into 4 communication and leadership styles (colors).
   • A spacious area for participants to interact freely.
3. Set up the space:
   • Ensure the space allows participants to move around and communicate comfortably.
4. To conduct the activity virtually:
   • Use collaborative platforms where words can be visually assigned to different names (e.g., interactive whiteboards or assignment tools).

Step-by-step instructions

1. Distribute the cards:
   • Provide each participant with a set of cards containing descriptive words related to communication and leadership styles.
2. Hand out the cards:
   • Instruct participants to move around the space and give their cards to the people they feel best represent those words based on first impressions.
3. Individual reflection:
   • Each participant reviews the words they received and reflects on whether these align with their self-perception.
4. Group discussion:
   • Guide a conversation about how first impressions affect perceptions and discuss how these impressions might change over time.

Purpose

The purpose of First Impressions is to explore how we are perceived by others through initial impressions, foster self-awareness, and reflect on the diversity of communication and leadership styles within a group.

Required materials

• Deck of cards with descriptive words organized by communication and leadership styles.

Platforms

• Questiory
• Miro
• Padlet
• Mural
• Canva

Practical recommendations

• Select words that are inclusive and won't cause discomfort among participants.
• Encourage a respectful environment that values differences and similarities.
• Adapt the activity according to group dynamics, adjusting the number of words per participant as needed.
• Include a brief introduction about the impact of first impressions before starting the activity.
• Facilitate a group reflection at the end to connect the activity with practical insights on communication and leadership.

Inspiration

Some ways to group communication and leadership styles, with example word cards

1. Communication styles:
   • Analytical (Blue): Reflective and logical.
     • Examples: Logical, structured, calculated, cautious, thoughtful, methodical, reserved, detail-oriented, realistic, serious.
   • Expressive (Yellow): Energetic and creative.
     • Examples: Creative, enthusiastic, positive, extroverted, dynamic, visionary, spontaneous, friendly, optimistic, communicative.
   • Directive (Red): Focused and decisive.
     • Examples: Strategic, decisive, efficient, competitive, ambitious, practical, proactive, determined, courageous, leader.
   • Supportive (Green): Empathetic and collaborative.
     • Examples: Trustworthy, generous, patient, conciliatory, kind, compassionate, attentive, collaborative, respectful, inclusive.
2. Leadership styles:
   • Visionary (Yellow): Inspiring and motivating.
     • Examples: Innovative, dreamer, adaptable, energetic, visionary, motivating, positive, optimistic, strategic, dynamic.
   • Pragmatic (Red): Efficient and results-oriented.
     • Examples: Decisive, competitive, practical, efficient, leader, strategic, courageous, proactive, direct, determined.
   • Collaborative (Green): Team-oriented.
     • Examples: Patient, conciliatory, inclusive, generous, trustworthy, supportive, respectful, collaborative, attentive, motivating.
   • Methodical (Blue): Planning and organized.
     • Examples: Reflective, disciplined, calculated, realistic, structured, logical, organized, observant, detail-oriented, methodical.
3. Personality styles:
   • Reflective introvert (Blue): Logical and reserved.
     • Examples: Cautious, logical, calculated, observant, methodical, disciplined, structured, detail-oriented, reserved, objective.
   • Creative extrovert (Yellow): Energetic and spontaneous.
     • Examples: Creative, optimistic, communicative, extroverted, positive, adaptive, visionary, dynamic, spontaneous, energetic.
   • Empathetic mediator (Green): Understanding and friendly.
     • Examples: Patient, trustworthy, generous, collaborative, supportive, respectful, conciliatory, kind, inclusive, attentive.
   • Practical decision-maker (Red): Action-oriented.
     • Examples: Strategic, decisive, efficient, practical, competitive, direct, courageous, proactive, leader, determined.
4. Thinking styles:
   • Logical (Blue): Critical and objective.
     • Examples: Skeptical, analytical, logical, deep, reflective, methodical, calculated, detail-oriented, observant, structured.
   • Creative (Yellow): Imaginative and innovative.
     • Examples: Curious, visionary, adaptable, spontaneous, experimental, energetic, imaginative, creative, inspiring, optimistic.
   • Collaborative (Green): Inclusive and motivating.
     • Examples: Trustworthy, generous, conciliatory, collaborative, patient, flexible, respectful, inclusive, supportive, kind.
   • Resolutive (Red): Decisive and strategic.
     • Examples: Efficient, proactive, competitive, decisive, practical, direct, leader, dynamic, courageous, ambitious.