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 improves in correlation with trust, which in turn sets the stage for interpersonal problem-solving.
This is also broadly applicable to professional situations among peers.