Secret Tasks

Add fun and mischief with secret challenges.

Everyone takes a card at random, with details of a simple task they must complete at some point during the day - the twist is that they must do it without anyone realising it's a secret task.

Type
Icebreaker
Time
10 minutes
Group size
4-12 people
Best as
Energiser
In depth

A little more detail.

Three people discussing colorful sticky notes on a transparent board in a teamwork session.

Here are a few examples of things you might be asked to do:

  • Make a stack of five objects on top of one another and show someone. Say: "I bet you couldn't do that."
  • Show someone your handwriting and ask them to rate it out of 10 for neatness.
  • Stretch extravagantly at least three times.
  • Get a fellow team member's name wrong three times.
  • Share five "fun facts" throughout the session.
When to use it

Use Secret Tasks to weave playfulness through a session. Everyone draws a card with a simple task to complete without being noticed, which sparks creative thinking, mischief and plenty of laughter when all is revealed.

Illustration of a woman with orange hair holding a tablet and giving a thumbs up.

Use it when

  • You want to add fun and energy running through the day.
  • A group would benefit from playfulness and light competition.
  • You plan to reveal the tasks together later for a laugh.

Not the right tool when

  • You want to reveal the tasks now. Use Secret Tasks Reveal.
  • The moment calls for a calm, reflective activity. Use Nicknames.
Use it with your team

This tool works best in a well-facilitated room.

Using this tool with a skilled facilitator means that discussions are focused, time is used efficiently, and the group moves toward consensus, making the session productive and impactful.