Coaching Tool No. 1

The Check-In

A group exercise that brings focus to the present by leaving distractions behind.

By Flip the Clinic

The Check-In gives each participant a turn to briefly share what’s happening in their world—what they are thinking, feeling, and wanting at that moment. Sharing openly and immediately provides each member a chance to have their feelings acknowledged by the group, so they’re able to “get it out” and set preoccupying thoughts aside. Others practice how to listen empathetically, suspend judgment, and create a safe space where each member can share their authentic feelings and thoughts.

By making what is going on in the minds of members explicit, the Check-In provides participants with valuable insight into both the group as a whole and its individual members. The exercise has a grounding effect. Participants become more fully present within the larger group and more engaged in the task at hand.

 

How it Works in Practice

In its most basic form, the Check-In happens when each group member takes his or her turn answering a simple question posed to the group. (If working with a large number of people, divide into clusters of 5 or so individuals).

Example Questions

Opening a meeting:

  • What drew you here?
  • Why is being here important to you?
  • What questions do you have about what we are doing here?

Mid-meeting or on the second day of working together:

  • What is becoming clearer to you?
  • What is growing here among us?
  • What are you feeling now?
 

A Note on Answers

Feeling statements—“I feel” instead of “I think”—are important for this exercise, as they may bring up something someone is not yet able to articulate or common patterns in the group as a whole. They are easy to relate to and difficult to argue with.

Concluding the Check-In

Every Check-In exercise closes by thanking all participants for their authentic, valued voices.

Source: Fred Kofman. “Check-In, Check-Out,” The Systems Thinker. May 1994.

 

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