17 Oct 6 Icebreakers to Build Rapport with New Co-Workers
Starting a new job can be nerve-racking, not only because of the new systems and responsibilities to get your head around but also because you will likely be meeting new colleagues for the first time. Want some conversation starters that go beyond small talk and begin to build comradery with your new team? Keep reading:
- Work History
It’s always interesting finding out how people have come to be where they are. You could share your first ever job and find some common ground in starting from the bottom and working your way up. Don’t forget to highlight jobs far removed from your current role that might be worlds away from what your team mates have experienced in their careers.
- Hobbies and Interests
Sharing your hobbies can be a great way to identify people with common interests; maybe you will even meet up outside of work for them! Love to travel? Tell your colleagues about all the amazing places you’ve visited. There must be some travel stories you can swap and share!
- Latest TV Recommendations
Sharing your latest tv recommendations is an ever changing conversation starter that you can use long after meeting and getting to know someone for the first time. You might also get some great recommendations in return!
- Family Facts
Outside of work, your family, or found family, are probably the people you spend the most time with and detailing this part of your life can be a good way to let co workers get to know you a little better. Be sure to only share what you’re comfortable with sharing and respect others’ rights to privacy in return.
- Dreams and Goals
What’s on your bucket list to do one day? Revealing this can spark a discussion of whether your co workers would ever sky dive or where in the world they would like to visit. Maybe a member of your new team has completed a marathon before and could give you some handy tips!
- Fun Hypotheticals
Sometimes the best conversations delve into the hypothetical. Here are some great questions you could ask:
- If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
- If you could invite any three guests to a dinner party, who would you choose?
- If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?