How to get into really interesting conversations with new people that go beyond the usual ‘where I work, what I do’ kind of robotic answers that go no where?
AJ Pape over at the Making Organizations Awesome blog wrote a post that suggests asking these three questions:
- What’s your current passion project – the thing you’re pursuing that you’re most excited about? It could be a result you’re working on, a big problem you want to solve, a breakthrough in your field. Note: this is not the same as your job title.
- Talk about the specific help that would make the biggest difference for you right now? What are the skills, connections, or expertise that others might be able to help you with?
- What kind of help do you love to give? What skills or connections do you most love using to help others with their passion projects?
You read AJ’s entire post here, and see a video of him asking someone these three questions.
One heads up. I used these questions last night at a dinner party and several people hesitated, not because they didn’t want to share, but more because they’re not really passionate about much right now. A common theme in so many lives.
Another person, though, jumped right in — and boy was she interesting. So know how to give people an out if they feel like you’ve found them “too naked.” As for the passionate people? You’ll never shut them up — and they’re likely to really fascinating to listen to.