Check-ins are one of the most underrated leadership practices.
They don't get as much attention as daily stand-ups or team meetings, but they serve a different purpose. While structured meetings focus on teams, check-ins focus on individual leadership. Often overlooked outside of one-off chats or occasional reviews.
Check-ins are private, flexible, and asynchronous. They give leaders a consistent way to stay informed and take action when it matters most.
What is a check-in routine? A simple weekly questionnaire completed by team members. It takes 5-15 minutes at the end of the week. A typical check-in includes weekly reflection on what went well and what challenges came up. Future reflection on priorities and risks ahead. Objective updates for OKRs or other key goals. And open space to ask questions or flag concerns.
Why check-ins work. The biggest benefit is the actionable insights they provide for 1:1 leadership. They improve alignment, increase visibility, and catch roadblocks before they escalate. Check-ins also strengthen team culture. Making some responses public can automate stand-ups, giving teams more transparency. A kudos section lets people highlight teammates who made a difference that week.
How to get started. You don't need a dedicated tool, but platforms like 15Five make check-ins seamless. If you prefer a lightweight setup, custom Slack bots or shared Google Forms work just as well. The best tool is the one your team already uses.
Whenever I lead a team, I set up a check-in system. It's an easy and effective way to improve alignment and engagement.