This is a trick I used in the university. Starting group work in a setting where everyone is a stranger these 3 questions are enough:
- What do you want from this (course) - grade, learning?
- What is your schedule like?
- What are some of the other things you do, hobbies etc.?
The first scopes for common grounds asking the priority of the work on a personal level. The second helps empathize with the work load and preferred times to work. The last breaks the ice by sharing a little personal background.
Why does this work?
A lot of initial ice-breaking happens with people sizing each other up. Everyone has their experience, self-image, and worldview. They don’t always mix, so it is smart to scope the surroundings before diving in; it’s natural. However, these three questions map the bare essentials to establish some trust among the group’s individuals. Communication frees up in correlation with improved trust, which in turn sets the stage for interpersonal problem-solving.
This is also broadly applicable to professional situations among peers.