Mystery Person
Mystery Person is a 30-45-minute activity where participants write down their strengths anonymously and then try to guess who possesses which strengths. Participants have an opportunity to share what they appreciate about themselves in a positive way and share with others. They also explore how their individual and collective strengths can help others.
Planning and Preparation: This 30-45-minute activity can be done with as many as 30 participants. You’ll need identical sheets of paper for each participant, pens or pencils, a container to hold the paper, and small prizes (optional) for people who correctly match strengths with participants. Works best in a setting with enough space for participants to form a circle where they can see and hear each other.
Developmental Relationship Element: Provide Support.
CASEL Competencies: listening, communication, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills.
Objective: Build and strengthen relationships among participants and between participants and leaders. Deepen understanding of Provide Support and also Express Care in Search Institute’s developmental relationships framework.
Activity
Mystery Person
Resource Audience
Resource Type
Read Time
Participants
# of Participants
Task Group Size
Task Length
More Activities to Build Strong Relationships in Your Classroom or Group
Activity
What Can You Teach?
Activity where participants share their skills and knowledge with a group.
Video
Modeling Strong Relationships Among Staff Members
A video showing how organizations use the developmental relationships framework to model strong relationships with each other and with young people.
Activity
So You Think You Can Listen?
A relationship-building activity where participants take turns sharing about themselves and sharing positive words about the person who shares.
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Activity
What Makes You Happy?
Activity where participants share their deep interests, talents, or activities — their sparks — with a group.
Guide
How to Use the Activities and Approaches
A brief guide to facilitating and using the activities and approaches designed for classroom and group settings.
Video
Developmental Relationships in Real Life
A video highlighting the effects of implementing Search Institute’s developmental relationships framework with five organizations working with young people.