Non-Cringey Questions to Start Meetings

Skip the icebreakers.

Ugh. No one likes them (except Chad who is always ready to share his latest 14er summit). Connection questions, like the ones listed below, are intended to get folks out of their head and away from whatever held their focus prior to the start of the meeting. These questions also provide an opportunity for connection-building across members of the team. (However, don’t forget this important pro-tip: the opt-out!)

Here are some better options:

-What’s “saved for later” in your amazon cart (or on your wish list at your favorite online store)?

-What’s the last internet rabbit hole you fell down (YouTube channel, streaming show, TikTok content, etc)

-If you got a gift certificate to a bookstore, but you can only get a non-fiction book, what would the topic be?

-Convince us to never eat a certain flavor of ice cream ever again

-What are you leaving behind at the door (what tabs do you need to close on your browser - the digital one or the figurative one in your head?)

-What’s something boring about yourself?

-Which is best: spotify vs apple vs prime music?

-What's something on your bucket list?

-If you could be in the Olympics, what sport would you do? (and it can be one that isn't already in the Olympics).

-What do you do when you hit an afternoon slump?

-What’s your most used emoji?

-If you were a wrestler or baseball player, what would your intro or walk-up song be?

-Recreate Mount Rushmore

-What do you do the most often outdoors?

-What band or musician’s concert do you regret missing?

-Share your coolest (or silliest) scar or broken bone story

-What's your comfort item?

-What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?

-If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?

-If you could instantly become an expert in any field, what would it be?

-What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?

-If you could learn any language instantly, which one would you choose?

Please Avoid:

-anything about favorites or best… those put a LOT of pressure of most folks and usually don’t provide any valuable insight into the person themselves that could build connection.

-generic “what did you do last night or weekend” - not everyone does super exciting things all the time. not everyone does things they are comfortable sharing in a group. Every time you ask that question, I can guarantee at least one person in your group lies when they answer because they don’t want to share that they stayed in bed with oreos, wine, and binged that TV show their ashamed to tell people they watch.

Benefits of These Questions

Using thoughtful connection questions instead of traditional icebreakers offers several benefits:

• Focus and Attention: When we walk through the door of a meeting room or sign onto the video call, we are likely fogged over with the focus of whatever we just left behind. These questions allow those to be released and for the focus and attention to turn to the others in the meeting.

• Deeper Connections: They encourage sharing personal stories and preferences, fostering deeper connections among team members (without digging too deep, too early).

• Inclusivity: These questions are designed to be inclusive, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably, regardless of their personality type or recent activities.

• Reduced Anxiety: By avoiding pressure-filled or potentially embarrassing questions, team members can feel more at ease and willing to share.

• Boosted Morale: Non-traditional and engaging questions can lighten the mood and create a more positive atmosphere.

Want to cultivate these benefits in your team?

I specialize in creating playful, engaging work environments that foster connection, innovation, and well-being. Whether through workshops or consulting, I can help you transform your team dynamics and workplace culture boosting productivity, performance, and profit.

Contact me today to learn how we can work together to bring these transformative practices to your organization!

• Workshops:

  • The Science of Playful Culture: Unlocking Transformation Through Play

  • Beyond a Canvas: Creativity in the Corporate Space

  • The Power of Flow: Cultivating Peak Performance and Experience

  • Unleashing Potential: Enhancing Work Environments through Play

  • The Playful Team: Leveraging Personal Play Identities for Team Success

  • and more (check them out here)

Let’s create a workplace where connection and play lead to exceptional performance and satisfaction. Reach out to schedule a consultation or book a workshop. Together, we can make work a place where everyone thrives.