Abstract

Energizing staff meetings takes initiative and creativity. By taking a "temperature reading" at the start of meetings, problems can be circumvented by asking for information, complaints, recommendations, worries, concerns, appreciations, wishes, and hopes. Project TASC shared this effective practice and recommends regularly assessing what is or will be happening with staff.

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Issue

Energizing staff meetings and making them meaningful requires a fresh look at staff attitudes and behaviors.

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Action

The "temperature reading" is a practical way of checking in with people to see what is or will be happening that needs attention or information. Doing this type of assessment can help supervisors and directors...

• Circumvent problems that often result from a lack of information or a fear of asking for information
• Learn about outstanding issues that may be getting in the way of progress
• Celebrate and acknowledge staff achievements

Use the following topics to do a check-in at the beginning of each staff meeting or whenever it is useful.

Information: What are each person's puzzles that need clarifying? Is there more information that needs to be presented?

Complaints and Recommendations: What are each person's complaints, problems, or dilemmas? If there are any, what are the recommendations for solutions?

Worries and Concerns: Are there any worries and concerns; if so, what are they?

Appreciations: What appreciations do people want to share?

Wishes and Hopes: Does anyone have any wishes or hopes they want to address?

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Context

This tool was developed by Virginia Satir who was a pioneer in family therapy and an internationally acclaimed group leader. Her philosophy mirrors what we in national and community service believe: "Every person wants to survive, to grow, to be productive, to make sense and order, to be creative, and to get close to others...I believe growth is possible for every living person...I believe every person has the potential for change."

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Outcome

The Wisconsin National and Community Service Board has been using this as a start to their staff meetings. In the words of Senior Program Officer Hannah Harris, "It opens up communications and allows staff to put any thoughts out on the table. The reading gets at the negative but also leaves room for recommendations, appreciations, and hopes."

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Planning a participant or staff retreat
• Building a supportive infrastructure
• Identifying and keeping good program staff

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Related sites

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