Currently, my favorite exercise to open a session involves utilizing the OuiSi photo cards. OuiSi (meaning yes-yes in French and Spanish and pronounced “we see” in English) is a box of 210 3″x3″ cardboard tiles, each with an image. I spread the pictures out across a table or two, then ask participants to find two cards that connect. No two cards are the same (this isn’t “Go Fish” matching) — so people need to think to find abstract connections.
For example, a dropped ice cream cone and a wind-damaged umbrella may connect because both are ruined. A pile of rubber bands and a jar of confetti may connect because both are multi-colored. A knot and a nail may connect as both are fasteners to hold things together. Licorice may connect with a half-eaten donut as both are food — or a pole as both are straight — or a ruined umbrella as both are red — or with train tracks that are both straight with patterns.
OuiSi comes with instructions for many ways to use the cards, but finding simple connections — then sharing your choices with another participant — has worked well to get conversations and creative juices flowing. Maybe I love it because its essence is making connections out of seemingly unconnected things — and isn’t that what leadership dots are all about?

(If you’re looking for a unique holiday gift, consider OuiSi. I have the original set, but there is also a nature set and art gallery version. http://www.ouisi.co.)