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We can all appreciate a focused and productive meeting. However, often these meetings are missed opportunities to check in with each other and get a read on where our team is at emotionally. Our sense of connectedness and emotional well-being directly impacts our productivity. And in times of crises, it is especially critical to check in with one another and provide support where needed.
Below are a few strategies to kickstart a meeting with our emotional well-being in mind.
“Name one word that describes how you are feeling right now.”
(Tired, focused, overwhelmed, excited?) This opening exercise gives a temperature gauge of the room. If only a few people say words like “overwhelmed,” “sad,” or “tired,” you can follow up individually to check in. However, If the whole team articulates the same sentiment, then perhaps we need to adjust our meeting approach, particularly if this is different from the team’s normal presentation.
“Share one positive and one challenge.”
Have each person take a turn at sharing. Helping people recognize the positives can help create perspective. Being able to be aware of and validate challenges present in a team helps us navigate how to best support one another.
Start with having each person share something he/she
is grateful for or an act of kindness he/she received.
When feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it can be hard to remember the little moments of grace we experience. Recognizing those moments of grace can help.
“Name one thing that you need this week.”
Have team members name one concrete thing that they need to
help them be successful during the week. Have team members
work together to see if they can address these needs.
“Name one thing you will do this week to support your self-care.”
Have team members identify one way they will practice self-compassion during the week. We can get so focused on caring for others that we forget that we need to start with ourselves.
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