They improve productivity
If regular check-ins help communication and accountability then the third side to the triangle is productivity. By talking to your team in a daily or weekly meeting you can identify and address anything that could be slowing down progress. A 1:1 meeting is a great way to discuss these issues and brainstorm ideas to find a solution.
Regular meetings also help make sure everyone is at their best. In your 1:1s, as well as work discussions, you can talk about personal issues and let your team discuss anything that could be getting in the way of productivity. A good manager needs to be a good listener. In group sessions, you can discuss potential challenges and find creative solutions to get things done.
They improve team dynamics
We’ve already hinted at how regular check-ins can help your team, but it bears repeating. Well-planned catch-ups are going to become your team’s therapist. Team meetings provide a safe space for your employees to share thoughts on projects, discuss problems and generally get to know each other better.
It really can’t be understated how important good team dynamics are. Trust within a team and an openness to discuss issues ensure goals and growth are achieved. Any kink in that chain will leave your team underperforming and missing deadlines. If you ever think that is happening, organize a quick poll and let your team talk it out.
Encourage icebreakers when new people join your team, hold virtual coffee breaks when your team works remotely and recognize successes no matter how small.
Finding time for check-ins
As a business leader, it’s easy to get sidetracked into a variety of things. Your diary will likely fill up weeks ahead of time and it’ll often feel like check-ins are the easy thing to push. Don’t.
It can’t be stressed enough how important 1:1 and group meetings with your team are. Constantly skipping meetings will likely lead to a breakdown in communication, a loss of productivity and goals missed.
Be smart with your time. A tool like Doodle, for instance, will let you find the best time for your team to come together. Make a poll to get your whole team together in minutes rather than constant rounds of emails or use 1:1s to send one employee your availability and let them choose what works.
Utilizing check-ins is one of the best ways, as a leader, to drive your team to success. Own the process and deliver the growth you want for your business.