Check In · Reflect & Reset
First Word
Say the first word that came to mind when this meeting appeared on your calendar.
Time2–4 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatIndividual, Table groups, Whole group
MaterialsNone, Optional projected prompt
What this accomplishes
A blunt but useful one-word check-in for teams with enough trust to answer honestly.
- 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
“What was the first word that came to mind when you saw this meeting on your calendar today? One word, honestly—or pass.”
How to run it
- 1
Answer first with a truthful word.
- 2
Give everyone five seconds to choose.
- 3
Move quickly around the table or collect all words simultaneously in chat.
- 4
Receive every answer without defending the meeting, then begin.
Prompts to use
When I saw this meeting on my calendar, my first word was…
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
One word reveals anticipation, skepticism, relief, or urgency before the agenda begins.
Watch out for
- Run this only if you genuinely want the answer and can hear criticism without correcting it.
- 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.