Team huddles are a powerful tool for fostering communication, alignment, and collaboration within teams. When planning and conducting team huddles, it’s important to consider the 5 Ws and an H: WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHERE, WHO, and HOW.
WHAT
Content and Focus: Determine the main topics and objectives for the huddle. Will the focus be on project updates, problem-solving, goal-setting, or celebrating achievements? Clearly define the agenda to keep the huddle focused and productive.
WHY
Purpose and Goals: Understand the primary reasons for holding the huddle. Is it to increase communication, enhance team alignment, address issues promptly, or boost morale? Clarifying the purpose ensures that the huddle serves its intended function and adds value to the team.
WHEN
Frequency and Timing: Decide how often the huddles will occur (daily, weekly, bi-weekly) and the best time to hold them. Consider the team’s schedules and choose a time that maximizes attendance and participation. Keeping huddles short and consistent can also help maintain engagement.
WHERE
Location and Medium: Choose an appropriate venue for the huddle. This could be a specific meeting room, an open workspace, or a virtual platform for remote teams. Ensure the location is conducive to open communication and that all necessary technology and resources are available.
WHO
Participants and Roles: Identify who should attend the huddle. Typically, this includes all team members, but there may be occasions where additional stakeholders or specific individuals need to be present. Assign roles, such as a facilitator to guide the discussion and a note-taker to capture key points and actions.
HOW
Process and Structure: Define the structure and flow of the huddle. Start with a quick check-in, followed by a review of the agenda items, and conclude with a summary of action items and next steps. Encourage active participation and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Use visual aids or collaborative tools to enhance communication and keep the huddle dynamic.
By carefully considering the WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHERE, WHO, and HOW, teams can ensure their huddles are effective, engaging, and aligned with their goals. This structured approach helps maintain focus, foster collaboration, and drive team success.
WHAT
Content and Focus: Determine the main topics and objectives for the huddle. Will the focus be on project updates, problem-solving, goal-setting, or celebrating achievements? Clearly define the agenda to keep the huddle focused and productive.
WHY
Purpose and Goals: Understand the primary reasons for holding the huddle. Is it to increase communication, enhance team alignment, address issues promptly, or boost morale? Clarifying the purpose ensures that the huddle serves its intended function and adds value to the team.
WHEN
Frequency and Timing: Decide how often the huddles will occur (daily, weekly, bi-weekly) and the best time to hold them. Consider the team’s schedules and choose a time that maximizes attendance and participation. Keeping huddles short and consistent can also help maintain engagement.
WHERE
Location and Medium: Choose an appropriate venue for the huddle. This could be a specific meeting room, an open workspace, or a virtual platform for remote teams. Ensure the location is conducive to open communication and that all necessary technology and resources are available.
WHO
Participants and Roles: Identify who should attend the huddle. Typically, this includes all team members, but there may be occasions where additional stakeholders or specific individuals need to be present. Assign roles, such as a facilitator to guide the discussion and a note-taker to capture key points and actions.
HOW
Process and Structure: Define the structure and flow of the huddle. Start with a quick check-in, followed by a review of the agenda items, and conclude with a summary of action items and next steps. Encourage active participation and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Use visual aids or collaborative tools to enhance communication and keep the huddle dynamic.
By carefully considering the WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHERE, WHO, and HOW, teams can ensure their huddles are effective, engaging, and aligned with their goals. This structured approach helps maintain focus, foster collaboration, and drive team success.
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
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