Shocking Icebreaker

Yesterday, I caught up with an old colleague who shared some stories from his time at Alibaba. What really struck me was their team’s “icebreaker.”

The icebreaker activity itself seems harmless enough. But the version at Alibaba was appalling, both to the eyes and ears—utterly obscene and violent.

Female colleagues directly asked male colleagues about the size and dimensions of their genitals; male colleagues unabashedly asked if they could have a one-night stand with female colleagues.

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Sure, the “purpose” of the icebreaker was achieved. Colleagues appeared closer; the team seemingly more harmonious. Yet it reminds me of another “tight-knit community” where there’s no distinction between members—the maggots.

Isn’t it the same?

Members relying on each other, blending into one. It’s just that the atmosphere is revolting.

The vulgar, obscene icebreaker leads to a team dynamic as disgusting as a dirty toilet. A short-lived “harmonious” atmosphere causing long-term loss of “morality, ethics, and aesthetics.”

This is Alibaba’s tragedy.

Whoever first suggested this format—whether they were a regular employee or a boss—should be dragged out and punished.

When it comes to teams, I hope for an “orchestra” approach.

Refined, elegant.

Each team member specializes in their expertise, unique in their way, yet able to unify under the overall melody and rhythm.

Not losing individuality within the whole, nor losing the whole due to individuality.