Rollercoaster Check-In
The Rollercoaster Check-In is a visual and playful method to quickly gauge the emotional temperature of a group. By mapping feelings onto a rollercoaster, participants can share their current state in a non-threatening and engaging way.
Use this method at the beginning of a meeting or workshop to create a shared understanding of how participants are feeling and to uncover any underlying concerns or needs.
Solves: Difficulty expressing emotions directly, reluctance to share vulnerabilities, lack of awareness of group's emotional state.
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Step 1: (5 mins) Gather the group and explain the purpose of a check-in: to understand the group's emotional state and address any concerns.
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Step 2: (2 mins) Draw a rollercoaster with varying heights, loops, and sections on a whiteboard or flip chart.
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Step 3: (3-5 mins per person) Invite each participant to place themselves on the rollercoaster, representing their current feeling, and briefly explain their choice.
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Step 4: (5-10 mins) If time allows, facilitate a group discussion about the overall rollercoaster picture and any emerging themes.
- Allow participants to pass if they are uncomfortable sharing, but check in with them individually later.
- Encourage participants to be brief and focus on their dominant feeling.
- Use a different metaphor, such as a weather map or a road trip.
- Ask participants to share a specific event or situation that is contributing to their feeling.