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25 questions

Icebreakers for new teams and new hires

When a team is new, or someone new joins, the most useful thing an icebreaker can do is help people learn how each other likes to work. Knowing that a colleague prefers written feedback, or does their best thinking first thing in the morning, saves weeks of guesswork.

This set mixes personal questions with working-style questions. Use a few in a welcome call, then a few more over the first month, rather than all at once.

What should we call you, and how do you say your name?

All 25 questions

  1. What should we call you, and how do you say your name?
  2. What did you do before this role?
  3. What is something about you that would not show up on your CV?
  4. How do you prefer to get feedback: in writing, on a call or in person?
  5. When do you usually do your best thinking?
  6. What is one thing that helps you settle into a new team?
  7. What is a work habit you are known for?
  8. What is the best team you have ever been part of, and what made it work?
  9. Where did you grow up, and what was it like?
  10. What is something you are hoping to learn in this role?
  11. What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
  12. What would your previous team say you are great at?
  13. How do you like to communicate: chat, email, calls or a mix?
  14. What is a book, podcast or show that changed how you think about work?
  15. What is a fun fact about you that most people would not guess?
  16. What is one thing that drains your energy at work, so we can avoid it?
  17. What made you say yes to this role?
  18. What is a skill you could teach the rest of us in ten minutes?
  19. What is your favourite thing to cook or order in?
  20. What does a good day at work look like for you?
  21. What is something you are proud of outside of work?
  22. If you had to describe your working style in three words, what would they be?
  23. What is one question you have about how this team works?
  24. Which place you have lived in or visited left the biggest mark on you?
  25. What is one thing we can do to make your first month easier?

Tips for using these questions

  • Have existing team members answer too, so the new person is not the only one on the spot.
  • Write down the working-style answers somewhere the whole team can see them later.
  • Pick two or three questions for a first call. Twenty-five is a month of warm-ups, not one meeting.

Need a speaking order or groups? The team generator and turn picker makes them in one click. For more ideas, read how to run an icebreaker that people actually enjoy.

Questions people ask

How many new teams and new hires questions should I use in one session?

One question is enough for a regular meeting. For a workshop or a team's first session, two or three work well. Save the rest for later meetings so they stay fresh.

What if someone does not want to answer?

Let them pass, without comment. A forced answer makes the whole group less comfortable, and the point of an icebreaker is the opposite.

Can I print this list?

Yes. Print the page from your browser, or copy the questions into your own slides or notes.

More icebreaker questions