A team meeting should be more than just a round-robin status update. It should build rapport, connection, and support so the team can function as a solid unit to achieve goals and work collaboratively.
I’ve written previously about using the first five minutes of team meetings to share what people can celebrate. Here are additional meeting starter questions that will help you set a positive tone and highlight what the team has in common (plus, it’s easy to be annoyed by others or hold grudges when you know nothing about them).
Work
What is one word or phrase you would like others to use when in your professional life? The answers will give you a glimpse of who they want to be and what is important to them. For example, if someone says, “Respectful,” ask follow-up questions to determine what behaviors show respect to them. Their answers will explain behaviors that annoy them, such as being late to meetings or terse emails.
What has someone done that encouraged or helped you lately?
What was the best work advice you’ve ever received?
If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for a week, who would it be and why?
What’s one goal you have for the next year, either personal or professional?
Team
What is our team’s biggest strength?
How can we improve as a team?
Describe the coworker sitting next to you using one positive word or phrase.
Stress
What causes you stress?
How do you show up when you are stressed?
What helps you when you’re stressed?
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Personal Focus
What books have deeply impacted you?
What is something you don’t like that everyone else loves? What is something you want that most people don’t?
What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
What is something outside of work that you’ve been trying to accomplish?
What is your favorite tradition, such as a family one or even one you’ve created for yourself? I like this question because it goes beyond religion and culture and allows people to share what is essential without singling out one person or one group to scrutinize. For example, I often share a tradition we have when my children leave for school. We always send them off with a hug and our family motto: Work hard and be kind.
What books have deeply impacted you?
Is there a charitable cause you support, either with resources or time?
Where would you like to retire?
What’s one skill you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t yet?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you could instantly master any language, which one would you choose?
What’s a book or movie that had a significant impact on you?
If you could visit any country, where would you go and why?
What’s your favorite season, and why?
What’s your favorite app or tool that you use regularly, and why do you like it?
Fun Questions
Describe yourself using a movie or book title.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
If you could live in any fictional world (from books, movies, etc.), where would you choose and why?
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
If you could time travel to any era, when would it be and why?
What would it be if you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life?
What would you choose if you could have any real or mythical animal as a pet?
What was your best vacation?
What’s the most memorable concert or event you’ve ever attended?
Feel free to share any additional questions you’ve used, and I’d love to hear how these conversations unfold for you and your team.
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