Recently an executive coaching client asked me how to break the ice with people who have achieved great things in life and who might be considered intimidating. Here are 20 questions to help get a conversation started and build a relationship (with just about anyone):
- How did you get into the work you are doing?
- What do you like most about the work you do?
- If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?
- What advice would you give your “younger self”?
- Do you like to travel? What have you enjoyed about your adventures?
- What have you learned from a travel experience? What has traveling taught you about life?
- What do you want to do with the remainder of your life?
- What do you think your strengths are?
- What books have you read recently?
- What book (excluding the Bible, Tora, Koran, etc.) has had a significant impact on you, and what was the impact?
- Tell me about a memorable experience from childhood.
- What did a grandparent or aunt/uncle cook for you?
- What are your hobbies? How did you get into them?
- What do you like to eat and why?
- How do you relax?
- What makes a good friendship for you?
- What’s the most impactful question you’ve ever been asked?
- What question(s) are you addressing for yourself right now?
- What advice would you have for someone, like me, who wants to make an impact?
- What gets you out of bed in the morning?
What other questions do you have that might be great ice breakers? I’m interested in your thoughts, so please leave your comments.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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© 2020, John L. Bennett. All Rights Reserved.