Emoji Check-In
Each person shares how they're feeling using an emoji. Quick and visual!
3-5 min
2-50 people
low
None needed
About This Game
Emoji Check-In is the fastest way to take the team's temperature. Each person shares one emoji that represents their current state (work, personal, or both). This low-pressure activity creates awareness and empathy without requiring lengthy explanations.
Objectives
- Quickly gauge team mood and energy
- Create space for acknowledgment without pressure
- Practice emotional awareness
- Start meetings with intention
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"Let's start with a quick check-in. Share one emoji that represents how you're feeling right now. I'll go first: 😊 because I'm excited for this meeting!"
Actions:
- Explain the prompt
- Model by going first
- Clarify optional elaboration
Tips:
- • Emphasize one emoji only to keep it quick
Facilitator Script:
"Thanks! Who's next? Just your emoji and optionally one sentence."
Actions:
- Go around the room/screen
- Acknowledge each person
- Keep pace brisk
Tips:
- • For virtual, use reactions or type in chat
Facilitator Tips
- Perfect for daily standups or recurring meetings
- Don't probe if someone shares a negative emoji - just acknowledge
- Track patterns over time to notice team trends
- Can be done entirely in chat for efficiency
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
Share your mood as weather (sunny, cloudy, stormy, etc.)
Pick a color that represents your energy today
teams have used this game