The Check-In Structure

Keep it under 30 minutes with this format:

• 5 minutes: Appreciations — each person shares 2-3 specific things they appreciated this week
• 10 minutes: Issues — each person raises one concern using "I" statements
• 10 minutes: Planning — coordinate the upcoming week's logistics together
• 5 minutes: Connection — ask one question: "What are you looking forward to?"

Starting with appreciations is not optional. It sets a positive tone that makes raising issues feel safe rather than adversarial. Partners who hear what they are doing right become far more receptive.