Check-in (aka Energisers, Ice-breakers) is a facilitation tool that aims to help achieving a better outcome. People come to the meeting from different circumstances. Depending on what you want to achieve, a different check-in exercise should be chosen.
Let’s look at the effects that check-in exercise might bring.
- Reduce shyness and make people feel comfortable;
- A quick check who is present;
- An introduction of people who don’t know each other;
- Help participants familiarize themselves with digital tools;
- Keep participants focused and away from distractions;
- Encourage individual self-expression;
- Bond with co-workers an an emotional level;
- Develop empathy and strengthen team dynamic;
- Improve and increase team-wide communication;
- Set up a safe environment that boosts creative thinking;
- Engage a group in a fun and memorable experience;
- Overcome social isolation from colleagues;
- Make space for casual conversations;
- Fast come back from a break during a long workshop.
Make the right choice
A hammer is the right tool for the nail, a screwdriver — for the screw. Consider the goals you want to achieve and evaluate where your team is currently standing. Do you need more focus, or need to make people more relaxed? Do you want more energy in the room? Do you want to avoid conflicts? Help with motivation? Build trust? How formal is your setup and what behaviours are exemplary for the team members? Consider choosing an activity that solves not only your immediate goal, but also contributes to the other goals of your organisation.
When not to use check-ins
While check-in can support you in a direction to achieving team goals, there is no need to invest time&efforts in running them when all team members are already in the state that you need.
Master the tool and use it in a way that doesn’t cause any friction and brings you to the state of high achieving team fast and leaves positive memories.
Get to know the exercises that I especially like in the Check-in category.