The objective here is to enable the team to “form” quickly, provide a sense of closure to the team’s activities, and to let each other know what’s going on with them personally. This activity works well with any group size, requires 5 to 10 minutes and requires no materials.
Ask the team to sit in a circle or U-shape. People come to a team meeting with all kinds of random thoughts – what work still needs to be done, a problem to be solved, and a rumor floating around the coffee pot. They aren’t really focused on the task to be accomplished or the process that will be used.
What they usually do is stroll in, check out who’s there, and maybe engage in light conversation with one or two people before getting down to business. Take advantage of this natural “check in” with one or two people to “check in” with the team. It allows team members to share what’s on their minds so they can focus on the team’s work.
At the beginning of each team meeting, just ask, “How’s it going?” or “What’s been going on since we last met?” It allows people to share what’s going on with them personally as well as organizationally.
When you allow people a few moments up front to share issues or “get it off their chest,” it allows people to be physically and mentally present with the team.
If you like this activity, check out my book, Team Energizers, for 49 other team activities!
