Team Temperature Check

When to use Team Temperature Check

Use this method when you need to quickly assess team morale, identify roadblocks, or gauge the effectiveness of recent changes. It's particularly useful after a significant project milestone or during periods of uncertainty.

What it solves

Hidden tensions and unspoken concerns within the team.

How to run Team Temperature Check, step by step

1. Introduce the activity and explain the purpose (2 minutes).
2. Ask each team member to anonymously submit 1-2 words describing the team's current temperature. (5 minutes)
3. Collect the responses and group similar words into themes. (5 minutes)
4. Facilitate a discussion around the identified themes, focusing on understanding the underlying causes and potential solutions. (10-15 minutes)
5. Identify 1-2 actionable steps the team can take to improve the team's temperature. (5 minutes)

Materials needed

• Sticky notes or virtual whiteboard
• Markers or digital pens
• Timer

Facilitator tips

• Emphasize anonymity to encourage honest feedback.
• Focus the discussion on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Common pitfalls

• Team members may be hesitant to share negative feedback. Create a safe and trusting environment.
• The discussion may become unproductive if it focuses on blame. Steer the conversation towards solutions.

Variations

• Use a scale (e.g., 1-5) to rate specific aspects of team performance.
• Ask team members to submit their feedback in advance.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a virtual whiteboard like Miro or Mural for anonymous input and discussion.

What it produces

A list of key themes and action items for team improvement.

Origin

Adapted from NOBL Academy — source

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