Introductions invite people to tell their own story—to be known in the ways they want to be known. It is also a way for people to talk about what is important to them. For that reason, we think a lot about what kind of questions we ask people to introduce themselves with. We want the question to introduce new ways of seeing one another. It should humanize and cut across, rather than reinforce, preconceived categories.
These questions invite people to share the best of themselves and what is most meaningful to them. We intentionally lean toward stories, values, and shining moments—towards things people might have in common. We lean away from rank, resumé, or position.
The connections that are built through introductions serve as part of the groundwork to hold the more difficult conversations that will come.
