Hi First name / Friend,
A leader I once worked with had a rule at the start of every weekly leadership meeting. It didn’t start with an agenda or business updates. Instead, we would go around the table for a quick “check-in”. Each person would share how they were doing. Work, personal, whatever was sitting with them that day. No script, no rules, just honest reflection.
At first, it felt a little awkward because I didn’t know much about this group of leaders. It required a certain level of vulnerability. But over time, it became the best ten minutes of the week.
That simple check-in did three things no team building offsite ever could.
It created real connection. When you know your colleague is running on three hours of sleep because their kid is sick, you extend more grace, you tend to collaborate better.
It gave us a different lens on each other. The person who seemed disengaged wasn't checked out, they were going through something harder at home looking after an aging ailing parent. The added context changed everything.
It was a quick weekly reminder that we were humans first, leaders second.
So let me ask you:
- When did you last start a meeting with something other than business?
- Do you know how your team is actually feeling right now?
- If your team did a round-the-table check-in today, would people feel safe enough to be honest?
That last question may make you uncomfortable, but it is a gentle reminder that our team and their approach to work is a direct reflection of us.
For this week, start your next team meeting with a simple round-the-table check-in and ask one question: How are you really doing? To make it easier for your team, be the first one to share.
Culture can be built in the first ten minutes.
Here's to a great check-in.
