Check-in questions are a way to engage members right at the beginning of the session. They also help people focus on the session and the topic.
Another goal is to identify any undiscussed, big issue right at the start of the session, in order to pivot in case there’s something urgent to discuss instead of the session’s topic.
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Steps
- Ask one question that each person can answer with a word/short phrase
- Go around the group listening to each person’s answer. Thank each one.
- refrain from giving comments such as “good”, “wonderful” or “that’s stupid”. just thank them and keep an open mind
- it’s ok for people to pass
- Alternative for remote teams: ask each member to write their word under their thumbnail (if possible) to keep the answer visible throughout the retro
Example Questions
- What is one word that describes what you need for yourself from this session?
- What is one word that expresses how you’re feeling coming into this session?
- Combine the two: one feeling and one need
- In one/few words, what’s happening for you right now? What’s one thing that’s on your mind?