However, when done right, icebreakers succeed at a few big things linked to team-building<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article will not only equip you with some solid, memorable icebreaker questions, but it’ll also help onboarding<\/a> leaders understand what can make or break a prompt. \ud83e\uddca<\/p>\n\n\n Bonus: Onboarding a virtual team? Read this guide on working with virtual teams<\/a>!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To help guide me through the tundra that is team icebreakers, I consulted ClickUp’s queen of onboarding<\/a>, Kathryn Reccia<\/a>, on some basic do’s and don’ts of the craft.<\/p>\n\n\n \u2744\ufe0f Be specific…enough<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Kathryn, the real art of picking an effective icebreaker is finding the balance between broadness and specificity. “A great icebreaker is upbeat and targeted on a specific subject. The general topic should be well-known, but maybe the framing can invite something very unique to that person.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2744\ufe0f Be fun<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Icebreakers should be seen as devices towards showing the real person behind the job title, and the easiest way to do that is to focus on fun. People have fun when they don’t feel pressure and can escape to a nice mental place for a moment, so keep that in mind!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2744\ufe0f Be personal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kathryn says: “A good ice breaker might prompt someone to share a personal memory or story, and in turn, we learn much more about that person!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca7 Create a competition.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “You don\u2019t want to ask, ‘What\u2019s a fun fact?’ because then people are too worried about thinking of an interesting fact that they aren\u2019t paying attention to the other people speaking.” says Kathryn, “It also just causes anxiety for the person answering!” <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca7 Be exclusionary.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Questions like “What’s your favorite happy hour drink?” alienate those who don’t drink, phrases like “spirit animal” may be insensitive to some people’s cultures\u2014just be thoughtful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca7 Be mechanical.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re the one leading the icebreaking sesh, it’s your job to help encourage the vibe of personability. Ask a follow-up question to people’s answers, or share a genuine reaction to their answer. Don’t make it seem like each answer is just a means to ending the session sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n Generate more icebreaker questions with our collection of AI prompts for team meetings<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Read more: <\/strong>130 Engaging Check-In Questions to Transform Your Meetings<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n Go forth and redefine what it means to host an icebreaking session. Be the leader who changes perceptions while uniting people. Uphold the spirit of community and collaboration<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sorry for all of the Mr. Freeze gifs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Successful <\/strong>Icebreakers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When deciding on the best icebreaker questions, DO:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When deciding on an icebreaker, DON’T:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Try These Icebreakers Out!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Now Go Kick Some Ice.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mr.](\"https:\/\/t333.s.clickup-attachments.com\/t333\/a9c706ae-9423-4568-bc4c-46fb05438ea3\/the%20ice%20age.gif\")