Dear Dr. Mimi:
I am starting a new job in a new city and would like to get to know my co-workers better. Are there any questions that I can use as conversation starters that would not be considered too personal?
—New and Naïve
Dear N and N:
It is good that you want to build a relationship with your new co-workers. To avoid getting too personal, ask work-related questions, like what attracted you to work here? Tell me more about what you do here? What was your first job? What led you to this career? What energizes you at work? As much as it is important to ask the correct questions, it is even more important to listen to their answers.
—Dr. Mimi