An icebreaker can do more than getting to know each other, they can also bring real meaning and value to the workplace… if you ask the right questions. These questions are great for team building, allowing introverts to speak up, and understanding where everyone stands on an issue or concern. Add these questions to your agenda for your next meeting ahead of time so your team can take to time to really think about their answers and not feel put on the spot during the meeting. Here are a few examples below:
- What one strength do you bring to the team that you wish others would truly see and appreciate? Why it’s important: Whenever this is asked during a training, there’s always a lot of emotion behind individuals’ answers. People want their gift to be known and be able to contribute properly to the team, unfortunately, people can feel overlooked before their opportunity arises. By asking this question, you give your team to ability to share something that makes them proud of themselves and the opportunity for the rest of the team to value them for their special skill set.
- Who went out of their way to help you this week? What did they do and why was it so helpful? Why it’s important: There are multiple benefits to this icebreaker. 1. It allows people to thank those who were particularly helpful, and 2. If you send out this question beforehand, people are more willing and put extra focus in supporting on another. No one wants to NOT be mentioned for helping out, plus it’s nice to feel recognized by your peers for giving them a helping hand. The more times people are recognized, they feel more encouraged to keep supporting each other on a daily-bases.
- What is the most important thing you are working on this quarter? How can we support your success in this arena? Why it’s important: Getting your team to talk about their goals and tasks is one of the best ways to build alignment and support. This question is particularly important if there are conflicting priorities, or if people are afraid to ask for help because they know that “everyone is busy with other things”. It’s important to recognize when you need help, or when others need support; you’d be surprised with how people can jump in with ideas with how they can help. It’s the simplest ideas that can save a lot of time and get the team working better together.
- How do you like to be recognized when you do something notable? Why it’s important: The best recognition is specific, timely and most importantly, meaningful to the receiver. Asking in front of your team allows the opportunity for the rest of the team to know how this person likes to be recognized and can celebrate everyone’s success in different ways.
- What’s one aspect of your job that really frustrates you. What’s one idea you have for making that easier? Why it’s important: This eliminates frustration and possibly tension in the workplace. This opportunity allows your team to work together to find out what’s not working and a solution that works for everyone.
- What’s your very best idea (or best practice) for improving the customer experience (can also include internal customers)? Why it’s important: This is one of the biggest opportunities to really learn about your team and their ideas! As a manager or supervisor, you may not be in the trenches like the rest of your team, they can share some great insight that you may not have been aware of. It’s important to listen to your team’s ideas and discuss best practices in order to give your customers the best experience possible.
- In which ways do you show stress and how can the team help minimize that stress for you? Why it’s important: Everyone has a stress trigger (most likely a few) and they can come out in different ways. It’s important to let the team know when a team member is stressed and how they like to deal with it. This allows your team the opportunity to recognize stress and triggers in each other and can properly amend or help. Your team can spot opportunities to help out and overall, will make them more productive, work better as a unit, and build trust in one another.
