Check In · Reflect & Reset
What I’m Bringing
Name one word for what you are bringing into the meeting—including “nothing.”
Time3–5 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatWhole group, Table groups
MaterialsNone, Optional projected prompt
What this accomplishes
A quick round that makes space for energy, questions, exhaustion, skepticism, a win, or no particular contribution at all.
- 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
“One word for what you are bringing into this meeting: energy, questions, exhaustion, a win, skepticism, nothing—or pass. 'Nothing' is a complete answer.”
How to run it
- 1
Model a short, honest answer first.
- 2
Move around the table with one word per person.
- 3
Accept 'nothing' and 'pass' without pause or humor.
- 4
End the round at five minutes and begin the agenda.
Prompts to use
I am bringing…
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 prompt acknowledges that people enter meetings in different states without requiring a personal story.
Watch out for
- Do not make 'nothing' sound disappointing or ask anyone to contribute more.
- 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.