Label me

Label Me

This activity explores how unconscious assumptions shape the way we communicate — and how easily people are influenced by the “labels” others place on them. It’s a powerful way to start conversations about empathy, bias, inclusion, and self-awareness in teams or leadership settings.

Purpose

To raise awareness of how stereotypes and labels affect behavior, perception, and interpersonal communication in the workplace.

What You’ll Need

• Sticky notes or paper labels
• Tape or adhesive (if not using stickers)
• A marker

Setup

Write one label per participant — these should be characteristics that people may unconsciously react to. For example:

• “Always right”
• “Difficult”
• “Lazy”
• “Smart”
• “Pushy”
• “Funny”
• “Quiet”
• “Know-it-all”

Important: Don’t let participants see their own label. You can assign labels randomly or intentionally, based on the dynamics of your group.

How to Run the Activity

1. Place a label on each participant’s back or forehead so that others can see it, but they cannot.
2. Ask participants to mingle and interact for 5–7 minutes as if they are at a casual social or work event.
3. Instruct them to treat others based on the label they see — without revealing the labels.
4. After the interaction period, bring the group together and ask participants to guess what their label was based on how others treated them.
5. Then reveal each person’s label and begin the debrief.

Debrief & Discussion

• How did it feel to be treated differently based on a label you couldn’t see?
• Were you able to guess your label based on how people acted?
• What parallels can we draw to real life or workplace communication?
• How do assumptions affect how we lead, listen, or respond to others?

Trainer Tips

• Choose labels carefully — avoid anything that could trigger emotional harm or be culturally insensitive.
• Debriefing is essential. Allow time for participants to reflect, and make sure the tone remains supportive, not critical or mocking.
• This activity works best with 6–20 people and in an environment where participants feel safe and respected.

Optional Variations

• Positive Labels Only: Use only positive traits and explore how those affect confidence or communication style.
• Role-Specific Labels: Use workplace roles or dynamics (e.g., “The Boss,” “The Intern,” “The Newcomer”) to explore hierarchy and communication.

Related Activities

1. What’s Your Frame?

Give each participant a colored frame or filter (physical or metaphorical) through which they must interpret a story or situation. It helps explore how background, experiences, and mindset shape how we understand others.

2. Two Truths, One Assumption

Like “Two Truths and a Lie,” but with a twist: each person shares two true facts about themselves and one common stereotype or assumption people often make. The group must guess which is which — then discuss how fast we form impressions.

Explore More Training Tools

For more hands-on communication and self-awareness activities, visit our Free Games & Activities section, or explore the Emotional Intelligence Training Kit for complete slides and trainer guides.