a favorite question

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Written By Dwayne Britton

💫 PRO TIP: BUILDING RAPPORT

I love this question and use it all the time: when I meet new people out socially, in interviews, in new hire orientation — really, any time I'm helping a group of strangers connect.

"If (insert current company name) didn't exist, and you didn't have to work for a living, what would I likely be finding you doing at (insert exact time) on a (insert current day of the week)?" ⁠

For example:

"If SMASH Agency didn't exist AND you didn't have to work for a living, what would we most likely find you doing at 2:45 pm on a Tuesday?"

What I particularly appreciate about this question is that it frees the responder from feeling obligated to discuss their job or work, which may not truly reflect their core values or passions. By removing the focus from any work identity, I often learn much more when I ask about their interests.  

My experience is that this question communicates that I'm sincerely interested in the whole person (which I am), not just how they earn a living. And when folks feel like their entire person is valued, they show up remarkably differently when collaborating.

Steal it. 😉

#facilitation #learning #workshops

Dwayne Britton

I’m the Principal & Learning Strategist behind DAY|WON — a solo practice based in Berlin, operating globally, and built around the belief that learning doesn’t have to be boring to be taken seriously. I design & facilitate workshops, trainings and team experiences that leave people feeling lighter, more connected and ready to move forward. Alongside facilitation, I also create custom materials so internal teams can lead the work themselves — confidently + in their own tone of voice. My approach is grounded in real outcomes, human connection and years inside global brands like Apple, Adidas & On.

https://www.daywon.co
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