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Writer's pictureNadia Ballantine & Carol Lynch

Going Beyond ‘What’s on Top’



Our post explores the concept of check-ins. Check-ins can be underutilised; time is precious, and we need to get ‘stuff’ done. But what if we considered check-ins as a space for shaping culture and leading with courage, compassion and connection?


It may be commonplace that hui begin with the check-in ‘what’s on top?’ Perhaps this can become a space where problems are dumped, and negativity or the challenges of the day come to the forefront. This can result in starting the hui below the line - which we all know is not great for creativity and innovation!

Give yourself permission to stop the ‘what’s on top’ and adopt more purposeful and productive check-ins. Your staff will be okay. They seem to manage without a ‘what’s on top’ on the days hui aren’t held.


Check-ins are a simple way to help people arrive and be present in a hui. They give everyone a chance to be heard at the beginning of a session which can help engagement during the hui. Check-ins also provide a space for you to park your distractions and shift your thinking in readiness for the mahi.

Check-ins at the beginning of hui can have multiple purposes.


3 tools to share:

1. This or that. This or that tool

The purpose is to get to know each other better.


2. Use a scale. ‘On a scale of 1-6 how are you going in relation to……? Give us a number’

(1 being-‘I have done nothing’ and 6 being ‘I have achieved it’)

The purpose is to focus thinking and focus on progress.


3. Fuel tank. Fuel Gauge image ‘How full is your tank right now? What do you need?’

The purpose of this is to monitor hauora and empower self-responsibility.


2 check-in questions:

1. What tabs do you need to close before we begin this hui?


2. What are you grateful for this week?


1 quote:

“How you enter a space and how you leave a space, is as important as what happens in the space”


We acknowledge that many of you will have other tools that you use and we’d love to hear about them. List your favourite check-in tool in the comments section below and go into the draw to win a copy of the book: Mental Fitness; Build your mind for strength and resilience everyday by Dr. Paul Wood by Friday 30th July 2021.


Have a great start to term 3.

Regards

Carol & Nadia

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