Choosing a team name can be more than a fun activity, it can help build identity, shape team culture and establish a shared purpose. The team I'm part of had to come up with a name when we were first assembled. To make the brainstorming more effective, we needed some structure to guide our ideas in the right direction. Here's a streamlined way to kick off a workshop aimed at creating a team name that truly resonates.
(Optional) Icebreaker: Name Origins
An engaging icebreaker helps set the tone for creativity and openness. In this workshop, begin by asking each participant to share the story behind their own name. This could include the name's meaning, origin, or an interesting anecdote. This activity not only breaks the ice but also creates a personal and inclusive atmosphere that encourages sharing.
Set the Stage
Before diving into the name creation process, explain the purpose of the workshop and its goal — to create a name that resonates with everyone.
Identify Key Team Qualities
Guide the team into the core of the workshop: identifying the qualities they want their team name to reflect. Encourage participants to think about what they want their team name to convey. This could be a mix of personal and professional attributes, or even abstract concepts that resonate with the team's mission.
Let the team brainstorm these qualities for a few minutes. You can use a whiteboard or sticky notes to capture their ideas.
Review the ideas together. This step helps align the group's vision and lays the foundation for generating or selecting a name that embodies the team's shared identity.
Brainstorming Names
Once the team has a clear understanding of the qualities they want to embody, transition into brainstorming potential names. Encourage creativity and open-mindedness, reminding participants that no idea is too outlandish at this stage. Leverage the qualities identified earlier — for example, if innovation was a key quality, try coming up with names that evoke a sense of forward-thinking or creativity.
Final Thoughts
This approach encourages that names come from a place of shared understanding and strengthening the team's identity.