When we first pivoted to remote work, we would do just about anything to ensure our teams stayed connected. Icebreakers became a go-to tool. Fast forward to today, and it’s like we’ve forgotten about those brilliant meeting starters. I get it. We have shared our favourite colour and played “two truths and a lie” more times than we can count. But here’s the thing: teams are drifting apart again, and meetings lack that old spark. So, today I’m here to share some fresh icebreaker ideas, with a little help from ChatGPT.

Before we jump in, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves why icebreakers are so essential in the first place. Working in HR, navigating the remote work landscape during a global pandemic and beyond, has unveiled some pretty key benefits:

• Connection: Picture this, we’re all remote, our chats by the water cooler and impromptu coffee breaks are a thing of the past. But hey, icebreakers become our new little virtual hangouts, fostering that sense of community. They bridge the digital gap, giving us those shared moments and stories that keep us connected.

• Engagement: Starting a meeting with an icebreaker? It’s like a shot of espresso for the team’s energy levels! It’s not just about logging in, it’s about truly showing up, ready to engage and making the most of our time together. It brings a splash of fun into the mix, which has a way of moving things along and making meetings more productive.

• Trust: Believe it or not, these quick icebreakers are magic for building trust. They open up a space for sharing little personal insights and experiences that otherwise might never come to light. In my experience, it’s made our team stronger and more tightly knit, even through a computer screen.

Now for the fresh batch of icebreakers. There is something here for everyone – the people who live for this kind of thing and even those who roll their eyes as soon as the word “icebreaker” is mentioned.

4 Fresh Icebreakers to Reenergize Your Team

1 | The Great Dessert Debate

“If cake was no longer an option, what would be your go-to celebration dessert?” Begin by sharing your go-to celebration dessert, then invite each team member to share theirs. This is a short and sweet way to start any meeting.

2 | Good Vibes Only

Everyone takes 30 seconds to share some good news. Begin by sharing a piece of good news of your own, then invite each team member to share their good news. Remember, all good news is welcome, whether it’s a small joy or a major achievement. Every shared moment adds positivity to our team environment.

3 | Town Tour Guide

This one’s perfect even for the eye-rollers! Get everyone to use ChatGPT to dig up a quick and interesting fact about their city or town. You can set the ball rolling by sharing your own tidbit, then pass the mic to each team member. It’s a great way to not only add a personal touch but also to maintain engagement and curiosity about each other’s experiences.

4 | ChatGPT Trivia

This one’s a personal favourite. It involves using ChatGPT to generate trivia questions on specific topics or let the AI choose. It really can’t get easier to put together a trivia game. Here are some prompts I have used:

• “Make some multiple-choice trivia questions about 80s pop culture.”
• “Create trivia questions about the Olympics.”
• “Our team is going to a conference in San Diego soon, can you generate some trivia questions about San Diego?”
• “We love coffee! Create trivia questions about our favourite drink.”

And there you have it! Four simple and fun icebreakers for your next team meeting. Let’s remember, they are more than just icebreakers, they contribute to an environment of sharing, connection, and trust. So go forth and facilitate – I can’t wait to hear how it goes!