An art of the manager, that seems to be missing in today’s busy work places and offices, are the check ins. Monday mornings can be a tough time for everyone. After a weekend of relaxation, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. This is especially true for employees who have a demanding role.
That’s why it’s so important for good managers to check in with their team on Monday mornings. A quick check-in can help to make sure that everyone is feeling good and ready to start the week. It can also help to identify any potential problems or challenges that need to be addressed, that the manager can identify and potentially help with. These are check ins and will not take too much time.
- Start by selecting 3-4 people in your team, simply ask each one how they are doing. This shows that you care about their well-being and that you’re interested in their lives outside of work.
- Use your knowledge of their personal lives, as a good manager will know these things. Be specific in your questions. Don’t just ask “How are you?” Instead, ask about something specific that you know they are doing outside of work. If you know that someone is going through a tough time at home, find somewhere quit and ask them how that’s going.
- Be open and approachable. Let your team know that you’re there to listen and support them. If they have any problems or concerns, they should feel comfortable coming to you. Share your mobile number with them and let them know you are contactable.
- End any check-in on a positive. Thank them for their hard work and let them know that you’re looking forward to a productive week.
- The following week, identify 3-4 different people and do the whole thing again.
Checking in with your team on Monday morning is a simple but important way to show that you care about them. It can also help to create a positive and supportive work environment.
- It can help to improve communication and boost team morale.
- It can identify potential problems early on, so that they can be addressed before they become major issues.
- It can help to build trust and rapport between managers and employees.
- It can create a more positive and productive work environment.
If you’re a manager, making time for checking in with your team on Monday morning and making it a regular part of your routine will pay dividends. It’s a small investment that can have a big impact on the success of you and your team.
If this is something you care about and not sure how to start it off, here are some starter questions that you can ask any of your team on a Monday morning:
- How was your weekend?
- Did you have any time to relax or do something fun?
- Are you feeling good about the week ahead?
- Are there any challenges or concerns that I can help with?
- How can I make anything easier for you this week?
Be sure to listen carefully to the responses of your team members. This will help you to understand their needs and concerns. It will also show them that you’re genuinely interested in their well-being.