Common Thread Challenge
Race to discover what everyone shares
Game Overview.
Small teams hunt for surprising similarities by interviewing one another, then presenting the most interesting connection they found. It quickly uncovers hidden stories.
Objectives
- ✓Encourage participants to look beyond surface-level details
- ✓Promote active listening and note taking
- ✓Celebrate shared interests and experiences
What You'll Need
- •Prompt list or sample questions to get conversations started
- •Timer to keep interview rounds focused
- •Whiteboard or digital board to track each team’s findings
Preparation
- 1Divide the room into small teams or breakout rooms
- 2Provide interview question ideas covering hobbies, travels, or skills
- 3Explain what counts as a "common thread" so people know the goal
How to Play
STEP 1
Interview Round
Give teams five minutes to ask one another rapid questions while jotting notes.
STEP 2
Choose the Thread
Teams select the most surprising or delightful thing they all share.
STEP 3
Craft a Headline
Encourage teams to turn their discovery into a headline or mini story.
STEP 4
Present & Celebrate
Have every team share their thread and let the group vote on the most unexpected connection.
Pro Tips
- Give shy participants a head start by sharing the question list before the meeting
- Model a sample thread so people know how specific to get
- Encourage teams to dig beyond obvious topics like "we all work in marketing"
- Offer small prizes or emoji reactions to keep energy high
Variations
Three Threads
Challenge teams to find three separate things they share, each from a different category.
Photo Proof
Ask participants to show a photo or object that relates to the chosen connection.
Async Thread Hunt
Post the challenge in a chat channel and let people report back over 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a team struggles to find something in common?
Encourage them to zoom out to broader themes like favorite seasons, learning styles, or formative experiences.
How many people per team?
Three to five keeps it manageable. Larger groups can split into subteams and compare notes at the end.
Can this run remotely?
Yes. Use breakout rooms, collaborative docs, or slack threads to capture each connection.
Tags
Similar Games You Might Like.
Two Truths and a Lie
A Classic Ice Breaker Game for Any Setting
Each person shares three statements about themselves - two true and one false. Others guess which statement is the lie. Perfect for helping people learn interesting facts about each other.
Human Bingo
Interactive Ice Breaker for Large Groups
Participants receive bingo cards with different characteristics or experiences. They must find people who match each square and get their signatures. First to complete a row wins!
Virtual Background Challenge
Perfect for Remote Teams and Online Meetings
Participants choose creative virtual backgrounds that represent something about themselves. Others guess the meaning behind each background choice.