5 Questions to Transform Your Weekly Team Meetings
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A GREAT MEETING HAS RELEVANCE, CADENCE AND PEOPLE AT ITS CORE
I am certainly not the first coach or person to say that meetings have taken over our time, energy and motivation. And those that I coach usually struggle with having too many meetings on their calendar AND that they are responsible for scheduling many of those meetings. They want things to change and you know the importance of regular check-ins to keep everyone aligned and on track, but those weekly meetings are disjointed, lack preparation and leave many (including you!) with more questions than answers. I won’t be able to tackle the entire meeting topic in this post, but I will share a strategy to transform your weekly team meetings into something that won’t waste anyone’s time, build your team culture and drive performance.
Here’s how to level up your weekly team meetings using 5 simple but effective questions:
1. What did we accomplish this week?
Celebrating wins is a great way to start a meeting on a positive note. By acknowledging the team’s accomplishments, you not only foster a sense of achievement but also boost morale. It’s an opportunity to recognize individual contributions and celebrate progress, both big and small. This question reminds the team that their hard work is paying off and creates an atmosphere of appreciation.
Alternative: You can also kick-off the meeting with an icebreaker or an emotions check-in.
2. What challenges or obstacles are we currently facing?
Every team faces roadblocks, but the key to overcoming them is collective problem-solving. When team members openly share the challenges they’re encountering, it invites collaboration. By making space for this discussion, you allow the team to pool their knowledge and resources to find solutions. This question also helps you as a leader understand where additional support or adjustments might be needed.
Tip: Put all challenges and obstacles on the table first and then have your team prioritise which one or two need to be solved or brainstormed today. Then, be sure to time box your ideation/problem solving so as not to derail the rest of the agenda.
“A great meeting has relevance, cadence and people at it’s core.”
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
3. What are our priorities for the upcoming week?
This question helps bring the team back to what matters most. By aligning on the top priorities for the week, everyone knows where to focus their time and energy. It’s also a good way to ensure that the team is working towards shared goals and that nothing falls through the cracks.
Tip: This should always be aligned with quarterly or yearly goals.
4. Is there anything we can improve in our processes or communication?
If there is ONE question that usually gets left out, forgotten or behind it’s this one. And I personally think it’s probably the most important one from a culture and personal development perspective. Team effectiveness isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s also about how you get things done. Asking this question encourages each person to reflect on their workflows, communication styles, and collaboration methods. It creates a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback is valued and acted upon. And more so, it encourages a growth mindset and when done effectively and consistently creates psychological safety.
Tip: HOW we deliver and communicate feedback is as important as making the space. I rely on curiosity and possibility for these conversations to be helpful. e
5. How can we support each other this week?
This question fosters an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable offering and asking for help. Whether it’s sharing resources, lending a hand on a project, or simply being a sounding board, mutual support enhances team cohesion and accountability. When team members feel supported, they’re more engaged and motivated to succeed.
Tip: Understanding each team members individual strengths and weaknesses is key here. When we have clarity on where people thrive or struggle can be the key to greater collaboration.
By incorporating these five questions into your weekly team meetings, you’ll create a space where your team feels heard, supported, and motivated. Not only will these discussions help tackle challenges and align priorities, but they’ll also build a stronger, more cohesive team culture.
Remember, effective leadership is about asking the right questions. With just a few tweaks to your meeting structure, you can transform your meetings from routine check-ins to powerful team-building sessions. Give this format a try for 6-8 weeks and let me know what changes you see! I also have a free weekly Jour-Fixe miro template to share with you. Simply send me a message: carrie@wholesum.me .
Let’s Talk Leadership Development
Hi! I’m Carrie. I coach mid-to-senior level professionals — especially team leads stepping into larger leadership roles and parents returning after parental leave — who feel less confident transitioning from technical expertise to people management. Rather than “starting from scratch”, we’ll tap into your strengths, build your confidence, and help you lead with clarity and authenticity, both at work and at home.
If you're ready to enhance your leadership skills or help your team grow, let’s connect.