Open the session
Check-in round
Also called Weather report, Opening round
Everyone says how they are arriving before the work starts, so the room knows who is tired, distracted or keen.
- Time5 to 10 minutes
- People3 to 20 people
- Steps3
What it's for
A check-in gives every person a turn to speak in the first few minutes. People who have spoken once find it easier to speak again, and the facilitator learns who is under pressure today before it shows up as silence or irritation.
The weather version asks people to pick the weather that matches their mood, which is quick and easy to answer honestly without explaining too much.
How to run it
Ask the question1 min
Explain the weather report: sunny, cloudy, rainy or stormy, and why.
Everyone adds a note3 min
Each person puts one note in the column that fits, with a few words on why.
Go round the room5 min
Each person reads their note aloud. Listen, don't discuss.
Tips
- Go first yourself and keep it short. People copy the length and tone of the first answer.
- Don't fix anything people say in a check-in. Thank them and move on.
Where it comes from
A common facilitation practice with no single inventor. Opening rounds are standard in group facilitation and team coaching.
Pairs well with
Hopes and fears
People write what they hope the session or project achieves and what they fear could go wrong, so both are said out loud early.
1-2-4-All
Think alone, then in pairs, then in fours, then as a whole group, so every voice shapes the answer before the room converges.
Start, stop, continue
A retrospective in three columns: what to start doing, what to stop, and what to keep, which leads straight to changes.