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
Blindfold Adventure
Activity where participants guide a blindfolded partner from one point to another, learning and demonstrating the importance of giving and receiving help.
Activity
Dotocracy
Dotocracy
Video
State of Developmental Relationships Webinar 2025
Insights gathered from thousands of young people about the relationships and experiences that shape their world.
Related Resources on Relational Practices
Activity
Liberatory Assessments
Student Voice, Remixing Test Prompts to Create Liberatory Assessments
Resources
Infusing Trust-Building into Meetings (E2E)
Learn about the integral role trust plays in educator relationships and gain strategies for trust-building with colleagues.
Activity
Spot-Check
Student Voice, Spot Check