ABSTRACT
Group members become acquainted by learning about each others' roots. This exercise helps to develop understanding toward others and facilitates working conditions and intimacy by requiring participants to engage each other with specific questions about their family conditions and histories. The exercise helps to begin the communication processes for the group. The trainer may want to add or delete questions from the Roots Guide as deemed appropriate for the nature of the group. The exercise is easily modified for use with extended family and appropriate for use at family reunions. It provides a mixer so that individuals introduce themselves to others rather than connecting to one person and isolating themselves. The trainer may want to use the general idea but make major changes in the guide sheet to accommodate the occupational background of the participants. For instance if the participants were salespeople, the guide sheet could address aspects about sales or products.
