Non Known Facts

                                  

In Google there was this ritual when a new person joined the team; they would be asked to tell the team three non known facts about themselves, non known as in, fun (interesting) facts. And when there was time to spare, each existing team member would also tell one more non known fact about themselves. One fun fact that the rest of the team didn't already know.

While at that point it just seemed like any other ice breaker ritual, I now feel it's a ritual with a lot more depth, one that gives you a direct insight into the person, at one shot. 

I found that needing to come up with interesting facts about oneself made people actually think...... think about themselves………. a quick flashback into life.....what in my life was most interesting? what did I do that was beyond the norm? what's interesting enough to be narrated? which one do I want to share? do I have an interesting life at all?   It’s almost like getting a go at figuring out something about yourself . And then the other's get to know that pocket of information. It works like a peek into the soul of the person. 

I tried this exercise with  'Risk'. This with an existing team which already worked closely together. What are the three biggest risks you've taken in life? You'd think we would have our answers off the top of the mind. But no, again a lot of thought goes into the answer and you’ll find that people are willing to share deep stuff, be it experiences at work, or even from a personal level. Why? Because, having taken that risk and experienced the success or failure has been an experience that’s grown them and they are comfortable enough with, to share....there's a higher level of self acceptance. It’s typically a huge confidence booster and when you share it, your confidence quotient is upped, others respect your ability to reveal those aspects of you, be it a success or a failure ( the failure typically comes with the lesson learnt). This because we all know that what stops us taking those risks is fear, and if there's someone who's overcome that fear and done it, it deserves an acknowledgement. An overall interesting exercise again.

It’s like knowing ones risk quotient.

And in a company like Google, a high risk quotient is a big plus, highly encouraged. Strong belief that unless you have the ability to take those risks, you don’t push the boundaries. High risk high gain is not just in the money world, it works everywhere.

These are ways and means which really work well for team bonding, but I think they work brilliantly even as self awareness exercises. Good clarity and potential personal growth for those who care to do it. Think about it.  If you were asked to tell three fun facts about yourself, what would they be? Do it, you’ll see what I mean by saying it’ll make you think. The quick flashback into life. It'll also give you a yardstick for how interesting or fun, a life you've led. Make it ten, and you’ll know that much more about yourself. :)

It'll give you your fun quotient. Have fun with it !!!