Check In · Reflect & Reset
Album Title
If this week were an album, give it a title.
Time2–5 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatIndividual, Table groups, Whole group
MaterialsNone, Optional projected prompt
What this accomplishes
A playful, low-disclosure one-liner that can become a running record of the team's year.
- Give the facilitator a quick read of the room
- Let participants enter the agenda without a long round of updates
Before you begin
Materials
- None
- Optional projected prompt
Preparation
- Display the prompt
- Decide whether responses will be silent, written, or spoken
- Plan to answer first and model an honest pass early in the year
What to say
“If this week were an album, what would it be called? Title only, no explanation required, and passing is fine.”
How to run it
- 1
Give everyone ten quiet seconds to invent a title.
- 2
Share around the table or post all titles in chat.
- 3
Keep each response to the title only.
- 4
Optionally place one volunteer favorite on the next agenda—only with permission.
Prompts to use
This week's album is called…
Adapt it to the room
Small group
Use one fast round. The facilitator answers first, and everyone may pass without explanation.
Large group
Run it simultaneously at tables or collect a silent room-wide signal; do not hear every response from the microphone.
Virtual
Use chat, a shared board, or a tightly timed verbal round. Private messages and passing remain available.
Accessibility & inclusion
- Display and read the prompt aloud.
- Allow speaking, writing, pointing, chat, or passing with equal status.
- Never require eye contact, an explanation, or a public follow-up.
Why it works—and what can go wrong
Why it works
A made-up title communicates tone through metaphor while keeping the underlying events private.
Watch out for
- Ask permission before reusing a participant's title in future materials.
- Follow up privately after the meeting; the check-in identifies where support may be needed but is not the support itself.
- Do not reward upbeat answers or treat a difficult answer as a public discussion prompt.