The Check-In Rhythm
The Insight:
Great managers don't wait for performance reviews to support their people - coaching, course correction, and connection happen in regular check-ins.
The challenge is creating a steady, lightweight rhythm where your team feels seen and supported, not scrutinised.
Consistency matters more than perfection. This rhythm builds psychological safety, maintains momentum, and catches small issues before they become major problems.
The Tool: Connection Cadence
4 steps to try now
01.
Set the Rhythm Together, Then Protect It
Schedule
Co-create the frequency and format rather than imposing your preference. Ask: "How often would be helpful for us to connect - and in what format?"
Options: weekly 30-minute conversations, bi-weekly hour-long sessions, or brief daily async updates.
Once agreed, treat these as non-negotiable appointments. Consistency builds trust.
If you must reschedule, do it proactively and suggest an alternative immediately.
02.
Use a Simple, Predictable Structure
Structure
Structure ensures you cover what matters without rambling.
Try this sequence: "What's going well?" (start positive), "What's challenging?" (surface obstacles), "What do you need from me?" (offer support), and "What's coming up next?" (look forward).
Share this structure in advance so they can prepare. Stick to your time limit. Predictability allows preparation and signals this time is for them.
03.
Check In on Them, Not Their Work
Listen
This is not a performance review or project status meeting - get work updates elsewhere.
Start with human-focused curiosity: "What's felt heavy this week?" "What's energised you?"
Listen for what they're not saying - energy shifts, hesitation, or pattern changes.
Make it two-way: share relevant context about organisational changes or your own challenges. This models vulnerability and builds connection beyond hierarchy.
04.
Capture, Close, and Commit
Clarify
End with clarity so nothing falls through cracks. Summarise actions: "So I'll follow up with the client by Friday, and you'll send the draft by Wednesday?"
Confirm support: "I'll unblock that budget approval and check back Thursday."
If appropriate, reflect on their growth or challenges: "I've seen you getting more confident" or "You seem stretched - let's think about priorities." Set intention for your next check-in.
Why it works
When check-ins are safe, structured, and regular, they reduce escalations by catching issues early, build momentum through consistent support, and prevent drift by maintaining alignment - all while strengthening relationships through predictable presence.
Use it when
You're building relationships with new team members, starting significant projects, noticing communication gaps, or want to improve alignment and performance without micromanaging through constant interruptions.
Bonus tip
Try sending a short async check-in on weeks when you genuinely can't meet: "What's one thing that would make next week feel easier or more focused?" This maintains the rhythm even when schedules conflict and shows your support is consistent, not contingent on perfect availability.
