The Big Book of Business Games: Icebreakers, Creativity Exercises and Meeting Energizers (Paperback)

~ (Author), Edward Scannell (Author) "Games? Games for businesspeople?..." (more)
Key Phrases: real puzzlers

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Break the ice at your next meeting with The Big Book of Business Games!

In this exciting resource book, two of today's acknowledged games masters serve up a cookbook of activities that you can learn to use, guaranteed to generate a lively discussion, or simply give a group a "breather" from the monotony of a boring staff meeting or presentation. Each of the 75 group games and activities here is adapted from the best-selling Games Trainers Play series and shortened to suit the needs of managers and team leaders to use with their departments, staff, or committees.

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070464766
• ISBN-13: 978-0070464766
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #314,711 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, I think, February 13, 2000

By	Debbie Terrill (Eugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews

I have used this book quite a bit, and do find it useful, although I find "The Big Book of Presentation Games" better for my purposes. I think the ice-breaker ideas are good, especially the bingo game, which I've used a couple times with success. I also think some of the problem-solving ideas are good.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Another "Big Book" that doesn't deliver, November 21, 2002

By	Mark R. Kaser (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I took a chance and purchased five selections from the "big book" series. I titled a previous review "The Big Book of Disappointment." Too bad. I ought to have saved it for this publication.

Chapter two of "The Big Book of Business Games" is titled, "How to Use This Book." My suggestion? As kindling or compost. In the book you will find 54 activities. The nine dot problem and the human knot are examples of the many common activities found in countless other books.

You'll also find suggestions for "presentation boosters." One "booster" example: Display two flip charts. On one ask what things were valued about how the meeting was run. On the other ask how future meetings might be improved. As part of the description you are reminded to "tear off the flip charts and return to your office. . .celebrate your success and change something needing improvement." In the book, the previous activity actually merits a two page description.

Applying their exercise to their book, I'd say I valued very little if anything. How might future books be improved? Provide NEW activities or suggest creative variations for the countless recycled exercises. Also, be certain the content is relevant to a business audience. A skilled facilitator will find a way to successfully use most any of the activities in this book. However, a skilled facilitator is also likely to have a number of better selections in her bag of tricks to choose from.

Once again if the price entices you to purchase this book, I'd suggest you keep exploring. You will find a number of resource books available on Amazon.com that are significantly better.

33 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for the Price, February 19, 2000

By	Carole Richardson "cj.geek" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

I've used a number of the games in this book and found they've helped me achieve my goals with the team. They stimulated converstaion and team building. One game I found particularly useful was the "Tie that Binds" in visually demonstrating how interdependent we are as a team. I found this book a real bargain and a good book for getting started at using games within meetings to build teams, emphasis concepts, and introduce topics.