When people meet for the first time, they often feel awkward and unsure about themselves in unfamiliar social situations. Whether they’re on a team-building retreat or sitting down to the first meeting with their new colleagues, getting to know each other can help them feel more comfortable and confident in sharing their ideas. Using good ice breaker questions is an effective way to build trust and establish psychological safety.
There are a variety of different types of questions that can be used to get to know each other, from simple to complex. Some are quick and straightforward, like asking people to describe themselves in one word or their favorite color. Others are more in-depth, such as asking people to share something they’re proud of or how they would spend their perfect weekend.
For a more structured activity, try giving everyone an index card and have them take turns walking around the room to ask the person next to them a question. You can even give them a prompt to work off of, such as “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?”
These simple questions are great for introducing people to each other, but it’s also important to consider the team you have and what kind of information you’re looking for. Using more complex and thoughtful icebreakers can help your team bond more deeply, which can lead to greater productivity. We’ve put together several lists of good icebreaker questions, including ones for small groups and adults, as well as one specifically designed for virtual teams.
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