One year anniversary
It’s been a year since I launched this newsletter. Time flies when you’re breaking ice!
It’s been such a pleasure to pick out and share a new icebreaker with you each week. It’s helped me think more critically about how to open a meeting, why some prompts work better than others, and the best ways to use an icebreaker to support a meeting’s goals.
Plus, when people know you’re into icebreakers, they start sending you tons of them. I’ve amassed a stockpile over the last year, so don’t worry — I’ve got even more to share for the year ahead.
Before getting into this week’s icebreaker and some reflections on the year, I want to extend a giant thank you to everyone who subscribes. It means a lot that people enjoy (or at least open!) these emails. And to anyone who’s reported using one of these icebreakers, just know that it made my day. I love feeling like I’ve contributed in a tiny way to making your meeting better.
My ask on this one year mark: Share this newsletter with a friend, colleague, or family member who might it enjoy it. Help me grow as we head into year two:
Now, on to this week’s icebreaker, inspired by this anniversary:
What is something that you’ve tried that you’re surprised you stuck with?
Looking Back on Year One
I took a little trip into the Substack archives and rounded up a few thoughts:
Pick Some Favorites
Looking back, I realized that I do have favorite icebreaker (shhh, don’t tell the others). I find it useful to have a few go-to’s in my back pocket to pull out when needed. These top my list because they generate interesting conversation or get a laugh (an underrated quality). Plus, I look forward to hearing the varied answers to these questions.
My tip is to find a few reliables that you like to have in your back pocket.
Here are my favorites (you can click through to read the original post):
What was your first fandom?
What’s your favorite form of potato?
Food answers only: Where are you from?
What do you picture when you think of a bear? (h/t to Butterfield on this one!)
Most Controversial
Some icebreakers ignite debate, and these two topped the controversial list this year. Apparently, there are die-hard river fans out there (couldn’t be me). And the number of people who told me the brain question made them squirm, I was floored.
Ocean, lake, or river?
If you could wash your brain, how would you do it?
The Hill I’ll Continue to Die On
If there’s one lesson I can impart to you from this first year of Sticky Note Labs, it’s this: the “fun fact” should be retired forever. Read more:
Thank you again for a great year. On to the next year!
-Danielle