Check In · Reflect & Reset
Two Numbers
Give two numbers out of ten: your energy and your capacity for new information.
Time1–4 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatIndividual, Table groups, Whole group
MaterialsNone, Optional projected prompt
What this accomplishes
A spoken or written two-number check-in that separates physical energy from cognitive capacity.
- 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
“Give two numbers out of ten, no explanation. First: your energy. Second: your capacity to take in new information. Passing is fine.”
How to run it
- 1
Display the two scales.
- 2
Model your own honest pair first.
- 3
Collect both numbers verbally, on a card, with fingers, or in chat.
- 4
Look for the gap between energy and capacity, then adjust pace privately if needed.
Prompts to use
Energy: __ / 10
Capacity for new information: __ / 10
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
Separating energy from capacity prevents the facilitator from mistaking alertness for readiness to absorb more.
Watch out for
- Do not average the numbers publicly or treat low capacity as resistance.
- 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.