Energy Check

Purpose

Energy Check is a minimalist check-in where each participant shares their current energy level on a scale of 1 to 10. It takes less than a minute for a group of 15 and gives the facilitator immediate insight into whether the group needs an energiser, a break, or is ready to dive into deep work.

At a glance

• Group size: 4–30
• Duration: 5 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilitation style: Round-robin or simultaneous
• Setting: In-person or virtual

How to run

1. Ask: "On a scale of 1 to 10, what's your energy level right now? 1 = running on fumes, 10 = fully charged."
2. Go around quickly, each person stating their number.
3. Alternatively, do it simultaneously: "On 3, hold up your fingers."
4. Note the average. If it's low, insert an energiser. If it's high, ride the wave.
5. Transition to the next activity.

Materials needed

• None

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Not acting on the data: If the group averages 3 and you plough into a dense lecture, you have wasted the check.
• Making people justify their number: "Why are you a 4?" defeats the purpose. It's a quick pulse, not an interrogation.
• Doing it too often: Once or twice per session is plenty.
• No scale definition: Always anchor 1 and 10.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Works virtually (chat, reactions, or fingers).
• No physical activity.
• Quick and non-invasive.
• For participants who prefer anonymity, use a poll tool.

Variations

• Battery check: "What percentage is your battery at?" for a more visual metaphor.
• Weather check: "What's your internal weather?" (sunny, cloudy, stormy).
• Energy + one word: Pair the number with one word describing why.

When NOT to use this

• When the group is clearly exhausted and you can't adjust the programme — it frustrates rather than helps.
• When a deeper emotional check-in is needed (use Highs and Lows or the Energy–Pleasantness Grid instead).
• If overused, it becomes wallpaper.

Source & further reading

• A facilitation standard used in Agile stand-ups, coaching, and workshop design.
• Related to subjective well-being scales used in psychology.