Intro

Given that our team operates asynchronously and remotely, it is crucial to proactively share updates on our projects and tasks.

Daily Check-In: “What did you work on today?”

Every workday at 16:30, Slack automatically asks every member, “What did you work on today?” Whatever people write up is shared with everyone in the company. Everyone’s responses are displayed on a single page, grouped by date, so anyone curious about what’s happening across the company can simply read from top to bottom. If you have a question about anything, you can comment on anyone’s “What did you work on today?” check-in to keep the conversation in context.

This routine is about loose accountability and strong reflection. Writing up what you did every day is a great way to think back on what you accomplished and how you spent your time.

Some people just jot down a few bullets. Others write multi-paragraph stories to share—and document—the thinking behind their work. There are no strict requirements, but here are some best practices to ensure your updates are clear and informative:

<aside> <img src="/icons/checkmark_purple.svg" alt="/icons/checkmark_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Best practices for daily check-ins:

• Be Specific: Mention specific tasks, projects, or tickets you worked on.
• Include Context: Briefly describe the purpose or outcome of your work.
• Reflect on Challenges and Wins: Note any obstacles you encountered or milestones you achieved. </aside>

‣

Weekly Check-In: “What have you worked on this week?”

Every Friday at 16:30, Slack automatically asks everyone, “What will you work on next week?” This is a chance for everyone to lay out the big picture for the upcoming week. It’s not about regurgitating individual tasks or diving headlong into the minutiae. It’s generally just your 10,000-foot view of the week ahead—the big picture items, the general themes. It sets your mind up for the work ahead, and, collectively, it gives everyone a good sense of what will be happening across the company in the upcoming week.

The weekly check-in also serves as an essential opportunity for providing updates on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and specific projects for which the individual is designated as the Directly Responsible Individual (DRI). This inclusion ensures that all team members are not only aware of the broader goals and themes for the week but are also kept up-to-date on the progress towards critical organizational and personal benchmarks. It emphasizes accountability and alignment within the team, allowing for a transparent view into the advancement of strategic objectives and the addressing of any potential hurdles early on. This holistic approach ensures that everyone is moving in sync towards the company’s overarching goals, fostering a culture of openness and progress-driven work.

<aside> <img src="/icons/checkmark_purple.svg" alt="/icons/checkmark_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Best practices for weekly check-ins:

• Highlight Key Themes for Next Week: Focus on the big-picture items you’ll be tackling.
• Reference Specific Projects and Tasks: Mention key projects, tasks, or tickets you’ll work on in the upcoming week.
• Update on OKRs and KPIs: Provide status updates on relevant objectives and key results.
• Identify Challenges and Next Steps: Note any challenges faced and outline next steps or plans for the coming week. </aside>

<aside> <img src="/icons/bullseye_purple.svg" alt="/icons/bullseye_purple.svg" width="40px" /> This holistic approach ensures everyone is moving in sync towards the company’s overarching goals, fostering a culture of openness and progress-driven work.

</aside>

‣

Check-In Examples