No matter how talented you are, achieving mutual goals can be tough if you can’t get along with your coworkers, whether they’re peers, subordinates, or your boss.

I have talked to successful professionals in various fields regarding how they connect with their colleagues, and here are 144 icebreaker questions to get to know someone. Keep scrolling through my list of questions for more tips!

144 Simple Get To Know You Questions

Get To Know Your Boss

What are your biggest priorities for this department right now?
How do you prefer to receive updates on projects?
What’s your leadership style like?
What is your definition of success?
What are some of the biggest obstacles you face in this role?
What are your expectations for clear communication from your team?
What are your preferred methods for giving feedback?
What things have you learned that helped you succeed in your career?
What are some professional development opportunities you recommend?
What are your thoughts on work-life balance?
Is there anything specific you’d like help with from your team?
What’s your approach to handling conflict within the team?
How do you measure success in this role?
What are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve seen in this industry?
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
What are your thoughts on remote work or flexible work arrangements?
Is there anything you’d like to see done differently in this department?
What are some upcoming industry conferences or events you recommend attending?
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work?
What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your career?
Is there anything specific you’d like the team to celebrate this month?

Get To Know Your Coworkers

What’s your favorite part about working here?
What are you currently working on that you’re excited about?
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
What’s the best way to collaborate with you on projects?
What are your preferred methods of communication (email, chat, etc.)?
Is there any expertise you have that you’d be happy to share?
What is your career goal in life?
Have you read any interesting books or articles lately?
What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?
Have you found any great local restaurants or activities?
What’s your dream job, or what would your ideal work environment look like?
What are some hidden gems in the office (cool break rooms, shortcuts, etc.)?
Have you mentored anyone in the past?
What are some of your happiest moments working here?
What are your thoughts on work-sponsored social events?
Do you have any certifications or professional skills you’re working on?
What are some of the biggest fears you’ve overcome in your career?
What are your favorite things about this company culture?
What are some ways you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
Is there anything you’d like to learn how to do better?

Get To Know Your Colleagues From Other Departments

What does your department typically work on?
How does your work intersect with ours?
What are some challenges your department faces?
Is there anything our department can do to better collaborate with yours?
What are some of your upcoming projects?
Who are the key people I should know in your department?
What are some industry trends you’re following?
Have you attended any interesting conferences or workshops lately?
Are there any resources in your department that might be helpful for me?
Is there anything you’d like to know about what we do?
What are some of the department traditions or inside jokes?
How does your department measure success?
Are there any upcoming projects your department is excited about?
What are some of the most common misconceptions about what your department does?
What are some industry publications or resources you recommend following?
Have you ever collaborated with someone from our department on a project?
What are some of the biggest perks or benefits of working in your department?
Are there any upcoming volunteer opportunities your department participates in?
What are some ways we can better support your department’s goals?
Is there anything specific you’d like our department to know about yours?

Get To Know Your Students (For Teachers, Professors, or Lecturers)

What are your career aspirations?
What are you enjoying most about this class so far?
What is your favorite subject in school?
What are some challenges you’re facing in this subject?
What are your preferred learning styles or learning environments?
What are some real-world applications you see for this material?
What are your hobbies or interests outside of school?
Do you have any questions about your future career path?
Are there any resources I can provide to help you succeed in this class?
What are some ways I can make this class more engaging for you?
Have you read any interesting articles or books related to this topic?
What are some of the skills you hope to develop in this course?
How can I make myself more available to answer your deeper questions outside of class?
Do you prefer to study alone or in groups?
What are your thoughts on using technology in the classroom community?
What are some of your favorite learning experiences so far?
Have you participated in any internships or volunteer work related to your field?
What are some ways you stay organized and manage your workload?
What are your plans for the summer or upcoming breaks?
Are there any guest speakers or field trips you’d like to attend?
What are some of your generation’s current challenges at school/in the workplace?

Get To Know Your Clients

What are your biggest goals for this project?
What are your current challenges or pain points?
What are your expectations for communication and updates?
What are your success metrics for this project?
What are some past experiences you’ve had with similar projects?
What are your preferred methods of communication?
Is there anything specific you need from us to make you feel confident about this project?
How can we best ensure a smooth and successful project?
Are there any key stakeholders we should be aware of?
What is your timeline for this project?
Who are the key decision-makers on your team we should be in contact with?
What are your preferred communication channels for project updates?
How can we best ensure the project aligns with your brand identity?
Is there a specific budget allocated for this project?
What are your expectations for the final deliverables?
How can we measure the success of this project once it’s completed?
Do you have any concerns or potential roadblocks we should be aware of?
Is there anything else you’d like to discuss at this time?
How can we build a long-term, successful partnership with your company?

Get To Know Your Networking Contacts

What do you enjoy most about your work?
What are some challenges you’re facing in your industry?
What are some trends you’re seeing in your field?
What are you passionate about in your career?
What are some of your professional goals?
Are there any resources you can recommend for someone in my field?
Would you be willing to connect me with other people in your network?
Is there anything I can do to help you in your work?
How can we stay connected and keep each other updated?
What are some upcoming industry events you recommend?
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your career?
What are your thoughts on the current state of the job market?
What are some of the skills that are most in demand in your field right now?
Are there any upcoming workshops or training sessions you recommend attending?
What challenges do you see for future generations entering your field?
What does a typical workday look like for you?
How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and news?
What are your favorite personal growth resources (books, podcasts, etc.)?
Would you be open to connecting on a professional networking platform like LinkedIn?

Get To Know Your Mentors

What are your areas of expertise?
What are your expectations for our meaningful relationship/mentorship?
What is your preferred communication style (email, phone calls, in-person meetings, etc.)?
How often do you think we should connect for mentorship sessions?
What are some challenges you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome them?
What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your professional journey?
What are some key skills you believe are essential for success in my field?
What resources would you recommend to help me develop these skills?
What are your thoughts on the importance of networking in career advancement?
How can I best prepare for our upcoming mentorship sessions?

Get To Know Your Mentees

What are your career goals and aspirations?
What specific areas are you looking for guidance and support in?
What are the career setbacks or roadblocks you’re facing right now?
What are your preferred methods for communication and mentorship sessions?
What are some of your strengths that you’d like to develop further?
Have you identified any specific skills you’d like to improve on?
What resources have you found helpful in your career development so far (books, websites, etc.)?
Are there any upcoming workshops, conferences, or events you want to attend?
Do you have a strong resume and cover letter prepared that showcases your skills?
Would you like help practicing your interviewing skills for potential job opportunities?
What are your thoughts on your current work environment and company culture?
Do you already have a plan for building a strong professional network online and offline?
Is there anything specific you’d like to discuss or get feedback on during our mentorship sessions?
Do you have any deep questions for me about my experience or background?

Extra Tips When Getting To Know Someone At Work

People can tell when you’re being fake. Ask thoughtful questions, actively listen to their responses, and use confident body language.
Avoid gossiping or saying anything negative about other colleagues.
Not everyone wants to be best friends with their conversation partners, so pay attention to their cues (e.g., lack of eye contact) and respect their comfort level.

Conclusion

Here are some easy get-to-know-you questions that will likely get you instant responses (since they are all work-related).

Ask more personal questions if you like, but make sure you two have a good rapport first! Write to me if you still need a piece of advice on engaging conversation starters.