open · Icebreaker · 1–5 min · 2-100 people · medium energy
Chair Check-in
The Chair Check-in is a quick and impactful method to help participants become present and focused at the start of a meeting or workshop. By combining physical movement, reflection, and concise summarization, it fosters a sense of connection and shared purpose.
When to use Chair Check-in
Use this method at the beginning of a session to help participants transition from their previous activities and mentally prepare for the upcoming work. It's particularly useful when you need to quickly establish a sense of presence and shared intention within a large group.
What it solves
Lack of focus at the start of a session, participants bringing distractions and anxieties into the room, difficulty establishing a shared sense of purpose.
How to run Chair Check-in, step by step
- Invitation (0:30) - Invite participants to stand up and step behind their chairs.
- Reflection (1:00) - Instruct participants to turn around, facing away from the circle, and notice their physical, mental, and emotional state.
- Selection (0:30) - Ask participants to choose one aspect of their state that they want to bring into the session.
- Summarization (0:30) - Instruct participants to turn back around and summarize their chosen aspect in a single word, then sit down.
- Sharing (1:00) - Go around the circle, having each participant share their word and look at the person to their left.
- Affirmation (0:30) - As a group, say "I'm in" and "Welcome" to signify readiness and inclusion.
Materials needed
- Chairs arranged in a circle
- Open space for movement
Facilitator tips
- Use a calm, meditative voice during the reflection phase.
- Adjust the wording of the instructions to fit your personal style.
- Ensure the chairs are arranged in a proper circle to enhance the psychogeometry.
Common pitfalls
- Participants feeling uncomfortable with the introspective nature of the exercise. - Keep the instructions neutral, accessible, and simple.
- Chairs being difficult to move or obstructed by tables. - Ask participants to clear the space beforehand.
Variations
- If chairs are not available, have participants raise their hands instead of sitting down after choosing their word.
- Allow participants to share their word in the chat if running the activity remotely.
Running it online or hybrid
In a virtual setting, participants can stand and turn away from their cameras, then share their word in the chat or verbally.
What it produces
A shared understanding of the emotional and mental state of the participants at the beginning of the session.
Origin
Adapted from TrustTemenos - Olaf Lewitz, building on Check-in protocol in Core Protocols by Jim and Michele McCarthy — source
Build a session around Chair Check-in
METODIC places Chair Check-in inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.