Check in- Check out
– Act with Awareness
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. – Confucius
In a Nutshell
Meetings are the bane of any corporate structure. Necessary for the company to function, but haphazardly executed, it is a corporate tool that everyone loves to hate. Yet, it is also a tool that is badly misunderstood
As with any tool, meetings can be effective if executed well. One of the biggest challenges that faces meeting attendees is the myth of multitasking. A common sight in meetings is attendees coming into meetings hurriedly, propping open their laptops and sending out emails while “paying attention”. This often means, nobody is paying attention to anything, sometimes, even the organizer!
Instead, by forcing people to “check in” and “check out”, a pause mechanism is created. This “pause” grants attendees a chance to refocus, specifically on the meeting ahead. Asking people unrelated questions at the beginning of the meeting can feel like a waste of time but this intentional sharing molds the space for everyone by cleaning up the white noise. And, consequently, allows everyone to be more actively present in the meeting.