For startup founders, it can feel overwhelming to keep track of everything.
To help manage this complexity and ensure alignment across your team, one effective strategy is to hold a weekly check-in.
But don’t be fooled - this isn’t just a meeting.
It’s an important tool for tracking progress, identifying roadblocks, and ensuring that everyone is moving in the same direction.
If you’re wondering how to run an effective weekly check-in, this article is for you – as we explore the key steps to make your check-ins productive, focused, and aligned with your startup’s goals.
3 Common Misconceptions About Weekly Check-ins
Before you start running your weekly check-ins, it's important to address some common misconceptions that might be holding you back:
- “Weekly check-ins are just another meeting that wastes time.” This is a common belief, but when done right, weekly check-ins can save time in the long run. They allow your team to stay aligned, address issues early, and avoid spending time on redundant tasks.
- “Check-ins are only for tracking tasks, not for addressing bigger issues.” While weekly check-ins are a great way to track progress, they’re also an opportunity to address challenges, brainstorm solutions, and get feedback. Check-ins are not just about checking boxes; they’re about tackling problems together and keeping your startup agile.
- “Check-ins are only useful for big teams.” Many believe that weekly check-ins are only effective for larger teams, but that's not true. Whether you’re a solo founder or have a small team, regular check-ins help you stay on top of progress, manage priorities, and make adjustments as needed.
By addressing these misconceptions, you’ll be better prepared to embrace weekly check-ins as a powerful tool for success.
7 Essential Steps for Effective Weekly Check-ins
To make sure your weekly check-ins are effective and help drive your startup forward, follow these simple steps.
1. Set a Clear Purpose for the Check-In
Before scheduling your weekly check-ins, make sure you have a clear purpose.
These check-ins should focus on more than just task updates - they should help your team stay aligned and focused on your startup's broader objectives. The key purposes of your weekly check-in should be:
- Review progress: Check in on what’s been accomplished since the last meeting.
- Identify roadblocks: Discuss any challenges the team is facing and brainstorm solutions.
- Align priorities: Make sure everyone knows the most important tasks for the upcoming week.
- Ensure accountability: Confirm that each team member is on track with their objectives.
By having a clear purpose for your check-in, you’ll keep the meeting productive and prevent it from becoming a time-waster.
2. Create a Consistent Agenda
Consistency is key to making your weekly check-ins productive.
Create a set agenda that everyone can expect, so they come prepared. Here's an example of what your agenda might look like:
- Progress Updates (10-15 minutes): Have each team member briefly share what they’ve worked on, what they’ve accomplished, and what’s on their plate for the upcoming week.
- Roadblocks/Challenges (10 minutes): Address any obstacles the team is facing and collaborate on possible solutions.
- Priorities for the Week (10-15 minutes): Lay out the key objectives for the week ahead, ensuring they align with your overall business goals.
- Wrap-up (5 minutes): Summarize the meeting and clarify next steps.
This structure ensures that all important topics are covered and keeps the meeting on track, allowing everyone to leave with clarity on what they need to do.
3. Focus on Results, Not Tasks
When running a weekly check-in, don’t get bogged down in a list of tasks.
Instead, focus on results. Sure, it’s important to know what tasks were completed, but the main goal is to assess how well your objectives are being met. Is your team moving the needle toward the key results that will drive your startup forward?
For example, if your goal is to increase customer sign-ups, ask your team about the impact of their actions, not just the tasks completed. This keeps the conversation focused on what truly matters and ensures that everyone is aligned with the business's key objectives.
4. Encourage Open Communication
A weekly check-in should feel like a safe space for open communication.
Encourage your team to share not only their progress but also their challenges and frustrations. This helps foster transparency, trust, and collaboration. If someone is struggling, it’s better to address it early rather than let it fester.
For leaders, make sure you’re also celebrating small wins. Recognition boosts morale, keeps motivation high, and encourages your team to continue pushing toward your goals.
5. Track Actionable Outcomes and Follow-Up
By the end of each weekly check-in, ensure that actionable outcomes are clearly defined.
Who is responsible for what, and what needs to be done by the next check-in?
This is where accountability comes into play - everyone should leave the meeting knowing exactly what they’re responsible for.
Make sure you track these actions and follow up in the next meeting. Using platforms like OKRs Tool can help you monitor progress in between check-ins, making sure the team stays on track.
6. Be Consistent with Timing and Duration
Set a consistent time and duration for your weekly check-ins, and stick to it.
Whether it's every Monday at 9 AM or Friday afternoon, having a regular schedule makes it easier for your team to plan. Additionally, try to keep the meeting short and to the point - 30 to 45 minutes should be enough to cover everything without wasting time.
A quick and efficient check-in will ensure that your team remains focused and avoids burnout from too many lengthy meetings.
7. Use Technology to Streamline the Process
Take advantage of technology to make your weekly check-ins more efficient.
OKR software allows you to track team progress in real time, ensuring that your check-ins are data-driven. You can easily pull in reports, track key results, and assign action items directly in the software, so the focus remains on strategy rather than manual tracking.
By using technology, you can save time and ensure your meetings are focused on achieving results, not on administrative tasks.
Conclusion
Weekly check-ins are essential for keeping your startup on track.
They ensure alignment, highlight roadblocks, and keep everyone focused on the most important tasks.
With a consistent agenda, real-time tracking, and a focus on results, your check-ins will be more than just another meeting - they’ll be a powerful tool for accelerating your startup’s growth.
Ready to streamline your check-ins and track your goals with ease? Sign up for OKRs Tool today and start making every check-in count!
