Check In · Reflect & Reset
Battery Level
Pick a battery level from fully charged to red-zone—or choose the charging cable.
Time1–2 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatIndividual, Table groups, Whole group
MaterialsA slide with eight battery levels and one charging-cable option
What this accomplishes
A nearly universal visual check-in using eight battery levels from 100 percent to 3 percent, plus a ninth option for actively recharging.
- Give the facilitator a quick read of the room
- Let participants enter the agenda without a long round of updates
Before you begin
Materials
- A slide with eight battery levels and one charging-cable option
Preparation
- Create or display numbered battery icons from full to 3 percent
- Add a charging-cable option
- Choose a silent response method
What to say
“What is your battery level right now? Choose an icon, number, or pass. No explanation required.”
How to run it
- 1
Display the battery scale.
- 2
Give everyone five seconds to choose.
- 3
Collect a point, number, card, reaction, or chat response.
- 4
Register the room's capacity and begin; follow up privately later if appropriate.
Prompts to use
100% · 85% · 70% · 55% · 40% · 25% · 10% · 3% · Charging
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
Share the visual and invite a number, color, icon, or private chat response. Cameras and explanations stay optional.
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 shared visual language lets participants report capacity quickly without having to translate it into polished meeting language.
Watch out for
- Never ask a low-battery participant to explain in front of the group.
- 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.