I find it SO weird that people can’t handle simple social interactions anymore.
“Hi! I’m shalafi. Despite appearances, I’m a bit of a redneck. Love kayaking, hiking, camping, stuff like that. After I get out of here, you’re likely to find me in a swamp. LOL, don’t dress like this on the weekends!”
Ice breaking is so much easier when you’re just chatting, people just chat at the start of the meeting and it performs the same function. It’s weird if you make everyone go around the circle and force people into it
I’m gonna 180 on this and agree the above comic is fine because our kick off meetings go: “I’m XYZ, I’m this discipline, I’ve mostly worked on these projects recently”
I somehow got it in my head it was “and tell us something fun about yourself” as well
Yes. Shmoozing during official meeting time is a waste of everyone’s time. Keep it for before/after, it serves its purpose, but once the meeting starts it should be business oriented.
It honestly depends on the meeting through. I think at the onset of a project, or if you’re having like a brainstorming meeting, introductions can help loosen everyone up and understand where other people are coming from. They have a very legitimate purpose if people will have to work cooperatively. That said, if you’re never going to have to talk to each other or work together in any real way, or if you already know each other, sure, skip that and get to the real content.
There’s a reason that introductions and ice breakers are included in adult training and team building activities. They can legitimately change the mindset of a hierarchical “here’s what you’re doing and you don’t get shit” to a collaborative space for sharing. People who are engaged and feel their opinion is valued are better contributors and learners.
Good enough! I just like to throw something interesting in there to stand out from the crowd. Couple of years after introducing myself to the company the CEO and CFO both remembered my hobbies and commented on them!
Hi! I’m John. Despite appearances I’m a registered sex offender in 17 states and can no longer enter the state of Alaska due to my penchant for buggery of wildlife. After work today I’m gonna get sloshed and walk around in a park until I urinate on a playground. hope to see you tomorrow, or I might be registered to lucky number 18!
No, I don’t like walking the beach. Maybe a couple of times a year? Good enough. It’s windy, hot, exhausting terrain, expensive if you want to stop and eat or drink, AHH!
I find it SO weird that people can’t handle simple social interactions anymore.
“Hi! I’m shalafi. Despite appearances, I’m a bit of a redneck. Love kayaking, hiking, camping, stuff like that. After I get out of here, you’re likely to find me in a swamp. LOL, don’t dress like this on the weekends!”
<pass the mike>
Ice breaking is so much easier when you’re just chatting, people just chat at the start of the meeting and it performs the same function. It’s weird if you make everyone go around the circle and force people into it
Yeah but you usually chat with just one or two other people. In a work meeting, its helpful to have a general idea of who your colleagues are.
I’m gonna 180 on this and agree the above comic is fine because our kick off meetings go: “I’m XYZ, I’m this discipline, I’ve mostly worked on these projects recently”
I somehow got it in my head it was “and tell us something fun about yourself” as well
I don’t want to know about your hobbies, I want to know what your function in this project is and why you’re in this meeting.
Sorry I wasted 6 seconds of your time when the assignment was to introduce ourselves in a sociable manner. You must be a joy to work with.
Yes. Shmoozing during official meeting time is a waste of everyone’s time. Keep it for before/after, it serves its purpose, but once the meeting starts it should be business oriented.
Respect people’s time.
It honestly depends on the meeting through. I think at the onset of a project, or if you’re having like a brainstorming meeting, introductions can help loosen everyone up and understand where other people are coming from. They have a very legitimate purpose if people will have to work cooperatively. That said, if you’re never going to have to talk to each other or work together in any real way, or if you already know each other, sure, skip that and get to the real content.
There’s a reason that introductions and ice breakers are included in adult training and team building activities. They can legitimately change the mindset of a hierarchical “here’s what you’re doing and you don’t get shit” to a collaborative space for sharing. People who are engaged and feel their opinion is valued are better contributors and learners.
Well, I liked learning about his hobbies I guess…
Wait, you’re supposed to mention hobbies?
I always just say “Hi, I’m {name}, I’m a {jobTitle} I’ve been working here {numberOfYears} years” and then pass it on.
Good enough! I just like to throw something interesting in there to stand out from the crowd. Couple of years after introducing myself to the company the CEO and CFO both remembered my hobbies and commented on them!
am I doing this right?
First laugh out loud of the day!
You forgot long walks on the beach. I’m pretty sure that you have to mention that.
Every. Damned. Dating. Profile.
No, I don’t like walking the beach. Maybe a couple of times a year? Good enough. It’s windy, hot, exhausting terrain, expensive if you want to stop and eat or drink, AHH!