Personality Palette Swap
Color-based reflections that reveal personal quirks
Game Overview.
Participants choose a color swatch that mirrors their mood, then explain the story behind it. The playful metaphor lowers defenses and sparks thoughtful follow-up questions.
Objectives
- ✓Encourage self-reflection using a simple metaphor
- ✓Give everyone a low-pressure way to talk about their day
- ✓Model deeper listening by prompting follow-up questions
What You'll Need
- •Color cards, paint swatches, or a virtual palette image
- •Digital whiteboard or chat thread to capture picks
- •Optional: camera-ready props if in person
Preparation
- 1Curate 12-16 distinct colors with playful names
- 2Share the palette ahead of time for remote teams
- 3Prepare 1-2 sample answers so people know the level of detail
How to Play
STEP 1
Reveal the Palette
Display the color options and invite participants to choose whichever matches their current vibe.
STEP 2
Share the Story
Each person explains why that color resonates, tying it to a recent win, challenge, or fun fact.
STEP 3
Invite Follow Ups
Encourage the group to ask one clarifying question that builds on the metaphor.
STEP 4
Capture the Palette
Take a screenshot or photo of the completed palette as a memento of the meeting.
Pro Tips
- Limit total speaking time to one minute to keep the activity brisk
- Rename colors with inside jokes or brand language to make it memorable
- Share a palette link in chat so remote members can zoom in
- Allow people to pass if they prefer listening
Variations
Seasonal Palette
Use colors inspired by the season or upcoming holiday.
Customer Journey Palette
Assign colors to phases of your customer experience and have teams pick the phase they identify with most.
Playlist Pairing
Invite participants to drop a song that sounds like their chosen color.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run this on Zoom?
Share a slide with the palette, ask people to react with the color name in chat, then call on each person to elaborate.
What if someone is color blind?
Label swatches clearly with names and consider pairing colors with emojis or textures.
Can this open a longer workshop?
Yes. Use follow-up prompts tying colors to workshop goals or current projects.
Tags
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