Strategy / Planning

Strategy Speed Sketching

This is a high-energy icebreaker. Participants quickly sketch their take on strategic ideas, business models, or challenges. It gets teams thinking visually about strategy. It also reveals different perspectives. The time limit helps people share bold ideas without overthinking.

Duration
15 mins
Group Size
6-15
Category
Strategy / Planning
Energy
Medium
Activate visual and strategic thinking simultaneously Reveal diverse perspectives on strategic concepts Build comfort with rapid ideation and visual communication Create energy and engagement around strategic planning Help participants think beyond tradit
The team will be energized and think creatively about strategy. They'll share diverse visual takes on concepts. They'll feel more comfortable sketching as a tool. They'll build a common strategic vocabulary. This lays a foundation for visual collaboration.
Try these variations:
Business model sketching: Draw different business models.
 Challenge visualization: Sketch the challenge you're facing.
Future state sketching: Draw what success looks like in 3 years.
 Stakeholder mapping: Sketch the key players.
Emphasize that simple symbols are perfect. Keep strict time limits. Model with your own sketch first. Encourage labeling. Celebrate wildly different takes. I've found that sometimes the prompts need adjusting based on the group's knowledge.

  1. Give each person strategic prompts. They have 2 minutes to sketch their take using drawings and words.

  2. After each round, they share their visual approaches.


Steps:

  1. Set up (2 min): Explain that artistic skill doesn't matter. Focus on ideas.

  2. Round 1 (3 min): Sketch "What does growth look like?" (2 min sketch + 1 min share).

  3. Round 2 (3 min): Sketch "Our biggest strategic challenge" (2 min sketch + 1 min share).

  4. Round 3 (3 min): Sketch "Success in 2 years" (2 min sketch + 1 min share).

  5. Quick patterns (4 min): Look for common themes and different perspectives.

Unlock Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Large paper or notebooks for each person
 Thick markers or pens
Timer
 Wall space to post sketches (optional)

  • Strategic prompt cards

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

Unlock Resources & Templates

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Discussion

0/2000
Loading comments...

Related Icebreakers

See all icebreakers