Cross-interviews between colleagues

Activity description

The peer interview is a simple yet powerful leadership activity.
Two colleagues take turns asking each other questions to get to know one another better, understand their professional journeys, and identify what they admire in each other.
At the end, each person introduces their partner to the rest of the team.
It’s a deeply human activity that reveals talents, strengths, and surprising personal stories.

What does it impact ?

• Leadership and trust development : This activity strengthens active listening, empathy, and the ability to value others : all key leadership traits.
• Creating an inspiring work culture : By highlighting everyone’s unique backgrounds, passions and human qualities, the business helps build a culture where authenticity and recognition are valued. This inspires a more inclusive and respectful work dynamic.

What should the organizer prepare ?

• Prepare a list of 5 to 10 open-ended questions to guide the interviews.
• Pair up participants in advance or assign pairs randomly.
• Reserve a quiet space for each pair (either virtual or in person).
• Allocate about 20 to 30 minutes per pair (10–15 minutes per person).
• Have each person prepare a short final presentation (2–3 minutes).
• Assign a facilitator to guide the activity and keep things moving.

How to reach our goals on the big day ?

• Start with a collective icebreaker about funny work stories.
• Share example questions to inspire richer conversations.
• Encourage participants to rephrase and elaborate on each other’s answers.
• Have the final presentations highlight observed leadership qualities.
• Add a fun twist: begin each intro with “Here is the most…”!
• Wrap up with a roundtable where everyone shares a key discovery.

When should this activity be done ?

• When a new team is formed or welcoming new members.
• If there’s a lack of mutual recognition or undervalued talents.
• After conflicts or silos between colleagues or departments.
• In preparation for a leadership or mentorship program.
• As a fun alternative to traditional introductions.

Other benefits

• Builds trust and team cohesion, even in hybrid or remote teams.
• Helps uncover hidden talents or career aspirations.
• Gives personal stories a valued place in the workplace.

See what others have done 👋

• A management team at Decathlon France discovered that two colleagues had worked in the same country without ever knowing it. They instantly launched a small “international alumni” community.
• At Airbnb, an employee shared a hilarious story about their first job at a zoo. Their partner laughed so hard they became best friends and later co-leads on a major project!
• A food production company in Argentina discovered that one of their accountants used to be a professional pastry chef. She was then invited to lead a team baking workshop.
• At Vidéotron, a cross-interview revealed that an employee dreamed of launching a podcast. Not long after, an internal podcast series hosted by employees was launched!
• In a cybersecurity startup in Israel, an analyst revealed that he used to be a children’s magician. Since then, he hosts “magic and illusion” breaks every Friday, much to the delight of his teammates!
• A team at Shopify realized that three members had studied music. They formed a mini band to perform at the next office party!