Do you ever feel like you’re firing update questions at your team, but the answers don’t spark real conversations or improvements?

Check-ins are more than just a pulse check – they’re the secret weapon to unlock peak performance in your remote and in-person teams.

Why Check-Ins Matter More Than Ever

Communication is the lifeblood of any team, but its impact is amplified in today’s hybrid work environment. Strong leader-to-team member communication fosters:

• Soaring Engagement: Feeling heard and supported directly impacts employee satisfaction and reduces turnover.

• Laser-Sharp Focus: Clearer goals and priorities translate to smoother workflows and efficient project completion.

• Unleashed Innovation: Uncovering hidden challenges and fostering knowledge sharing fuels creativity and problem-solving.

Check-Ins are NOT Micromanagement

Let’s be clear: check-ins are the opposite of micromanagement. Micromanagement stifles autonomy and breeds resentment. Effective check-ins empower your team and build trust. Here’s how to avoid the micromanagement trap:

• Focus on “Why,” Not Just “What”: Instead of grilling your team on every step, use check-ins to understand roadblocks and offer support.

• Respect the Rhythm: Don’t bombard your team with daily questions. Find a cadence (weekly, bi-weekly) that works for everyone.

• Align with Current Context: Tailor your questions to the specific projects and challenges your team is facing.

https://greatresultsteambuilding.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/WHATS-UP-CHECK-IN-CARD-FOR-TEAMS.pdf .

7 Essential Check-In Questions to Drive Team Performance

1 – “On a scale of 1-10, how are you feeling?” 

This open-ended question invites qualitative responses, allowing you to delve deeper and offer targeted support. 

Anything less than a 5, abandon your strategic and tactical conversation plans and focus on helping the PERSON get in a better place emotionally…

2 – “Do you feel you have the resources and time needed to succeed?” 

Clarity is key! This question identifies gaps in support and ensures your team feels equipped to excel.

3 – “What’s one thing you accomplished this week that you’re proud of?”

Recognizing achievements boosts motivation and helps you understand what excites your team.

4 – “What challenges are you facing with your current workload?” 

Uncover hidden obstacles that might stall progress. Removing these roadblocks creates momentum and demonstrates a supportive culture.

5 – “What did you learn this week that could benefit the team?”

Knowledge sharing is a powerful tool! Encourage team members to contribute their insights.

6 – “What untapped opportunities do you see for our team to improve?” 

Fresh perspectives from your team can lead to breakthroughs.

7 – “What can I do to help you be more productive or happy?” 

Open the door for them to suggest ways that you can be a better leader.

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Great Check-In Questions Inspire Unstoppable Teams

Powerful check-in questions are the cornerstone of building a thriving team.

By incorporating them into your leadership style, you’ll cultivate a culture of open communication, identify and address challenges, and ultimately unlock the full potential of your team members – whether they’re working remotely, in-person, or across a hybrid model.

Check-ins are fantastic to use to ensure more effective 1 on 1 meetings –

But they can also be incorporated into your team meetings, to ensure that everyone feels heard and has a chance to get feedback and insights from others who they work with and depend on.

One terrific activity for team meetings that will strengthen relationships across your team is using connection card conversation questions that everyone has to answer.  This is fun and entertaining, and will also provide a short opportunity for personal sharing and team trust-building…

Ready to Supercharge Your Team’s Performance?

This article has provided a springboard for you to become a check-in master.

If you’d like to take your team’s professional development to the next level and create truly impactful experiences, consider contacting Sean Glaze about a team building event!

Sean is an experienced speaker and facilitator who can help you craft engaging workshops and presentations specifically designed to elevate your team’s communication, collaboration, and ultimately, their results.

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And if You are looking for a Facilitator or Coach to Grow YOUR Team?

Sean is an experienced leadership training facilitator and coach who works with leaders to help them increase team performance and retention…

Check out his executive leadership coaching programs for more information!

Sean Glaze is an author and leadership expert who has worked with clients like Cisco, John Deere, Coca-Cola, and Emory University to increase collaboration, boost productivity, and build exceptional workplace cultures.

As a successful basketball coach and educator for over 20 years, Sean gained valuable insights into leading winning teams – and now he travels around the country to share those lessons…

Sean’s engaging conference keynotes and interactive team building events help accelerate the growth of more effective leaders.

And Sean’s books, Rapid Teamwork, The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates, and Staying Coachable are entertaining parables with powerful take-aways to improve team performance and leadership!