Check In · Reflect & Reset
Deposit or Withdrawal
Name one deposit from the week and one withdrawal—without explaining either.
Time4–5 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatWhole group, Table groups
MaterialsNone, Optional projected prompt
What this accomplishes
A tightly bounded round that acknowledges what added to and depleted participants' capacity without opening a venting session.
- 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
“Name one deposit and one withdrawal from the week. A word or short phrase for each; no explanation. Share one, both, or pass.”
How to run it
- 1
Model one short deposit and withdrawal.
- 2
Move around the group with a twenty-second limit per person.
- 3
Do not ask questions, offer advice, or invite discussion during the round.
- 4
Register the pattern and move into the meeting.
Prompts to use
A deposit this week…
A withdrawal this week…
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
The paired frame makes room for both replenishment and strain while strict brevity keeps the check-in contained.
Watch out for
- Stop the round from becoming a list of complaints or indirect criticism of people in the room.
- 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.