The Secret to Engaging Meetings: How Check-In Questions Can Boost Participation
Companies are increasingly emphasizing collaboration and teamwork. Meetings are a vital part of this process, allowing teams to come together, share ideas, and plan for the future. But to ensure that these meetings are as productive as possible, it’s essential to start with check-in questions.
Check in questions for meetings are simple but powerful tools that can help break the ice and get everyone on the same page. They’re designed to encourage participants to share a little bit about themselves, their mood, and what’s going on in their lives. This might sound like small talk, but it’s essential to building trust and rapport among team members.
One of the main reasons why check in questions for meetings are so effective is that they create a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings. In the fast-paced world of software development, it’s easy to get caught up in the technical details and forget about the human element. But by starting with check-in questions, teams can take a step back and remember that they’re all in this together.
Another benefit of check-in questions is that they help to set the tone for the meeting. By asking participants to share their mood or energy level, the facilitator can gauge the overall vibe of the group and adjust the scrum ceremony accordingly. For example, if everyone seems tired or stressed, the facilitator might suggest taking a short break or changing the agenda for more discussion.
In the software development industry, where teams often work remotely and communicate through various digital channels, check-in questions can be especially valuable. They provide a sense of connection and camaraderie that might be missing in virtual environments. By starting each meeting with a check-in question, teams can create a more cohesive and collaborative culture, even working from different locations.
Of course, not all check-in questions for meetings are created equal. Choosing questions that are relevant and meaningful to the team is important. I’ve collected my top 7 favorite check in questions for meetings:
1. What was the best part of your week so far?
Example answer: “The best part of my week so far was successfully completing a project that I had been working on for a while.”
2. What is something you’re proud of accomplishing recently?
Example answer: “I’m proud of taking on a new project and seeing it through to completion, even though it was challenging at times.”
3. What has been a highlight for you since our last meeting?
Example answer: “A highlight for me since our last meeting was being able to collaborate with a coworker on a project and seeing our ideas come to life.”
4. What is something you’ve learned or discovered lately?
Example answer: “I learned a new skill through an online course that I’ve been taking, and I’m excited to put it into practice in my work.”
5. How are you feeling about your workload and priorities right now?
Example answer: “I’m feeling good about my workload and priorities right now. I’ve managed my time well and stayed on top of my tasks.”
6. What challenges are you currently facing in your work?
Example answer: “One challenge I’m facing is balancing multiple projects and deadlines. I’m working on finding ways to prioritize and manage my time more efficiently.”
7. What support or resources do you need to help you succeed in your work?
Example answer: “I could use some guidance and feedback on a specific project I’m working on. It would be helpful to get input from others on my team.”
Ultimately, check-in questions aim to create a more productive and engaging meeting environment. By starting with a simple question, teams can build trust, foster communication, and work more effectively together. So the next time you plan a scrum ceremony or a meeting, remember to start with a check-in question. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
