Episode 59

Are Check-in Meetings Necessary? - with Jason Lauritsen

Published on: 24th June, 2025

Leadership expert Jason Lauritsen tackles the question of whether we really need check-in meetings addressing barriers like discomfort, skill gaps, and the drive for workplace efficiency. Don’t miss the four key steps for effective check-ins.

In this episode of the Happy Space Podcast, Clare speaks with leadership expert Jason Lauritsen about the role of check-in meetings. They explore why regular, intentional conversations between leaders and team members matter—not just for accountability, but for connection and well-being. Too often check-in meetings are discarded in the belief they are not serving real value. But it is perhaps because they are not being well implemented. Jason offers an easy-to-implement process for delivering check-ins that make a difference, making them more comfortable and worthwhile. The episode invites leaders to slow down, get curious, and prioritize relationships as the foundation for more human and productive work environments.

A dynamic keynote speaker, Jason Lauritsen is a true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™.

He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership.

Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity. His thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Talent Management magazine, HR Executive magazine, and SHRM publications.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro: The Power of Conversation

03:30 – What’s Driving Interest in Check-Ins?

07:50 – Relationship Building is the Work

11:45 – The Four Steps of an Effective Check-In

18:10 – Frequency & Flexibility: What Works Best?

24:00 – Making Space for Connection in Hustle Culture

28:40 – The Role of Comfort in Performance

34:15 – Relearning How to Connect Post-Pandemic

40:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Jason


LINKS

IMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)

WorkHuman Logo - Wikipedia

Learn more about and follow Jason:

Linkedin

Youtube

Website


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Everyone deserves a Happy Space. It might sound frivolous, but what I’m talking about is creating environments for each person to be able to perform at their best. Too often, people are invited to burn out or opt out of spaces, cultures, or experiences that are at best uncomfortable and at worst, toxic. Inclusion is a design opportunity. I hope to shine a light on those craftive more inclusive spaces, cultures, and experiences, leading the way to a more hospitable world because everyone deserves a Happy Space.

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If you prefer to read, please see the transcript below.

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And don't forget, everyone (including YOU) deserves a Happy Space. 😊


CREDITS

Creator, Host - Clare Kumar

Show Producer - Rafael Dona

Song Credit: Cali by Wataboi  / wataboi  

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0

Music promoted by FDL Music  • Cali - Wataboi · [Copyright-free Music]

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About the Podcast

Happy Space Podcast with Clare Kumar
Happy Space Podcast
🙂 Welcome to the Happy Space® Podcast where we explore the intersection of productivity & inclusivity through the lens of a highly sensitive productivity coach, speaker, and brand collaborator - that's me!

Tune in for conversations with authors, culture-shapers, space designers, and creators of products, services, and customer experience as we highlight astonishing contributions tempting a more tender world.

We know that diversity leads to richer results, so let’s accept that #productivityispersonal and commit to designing with greater respect for humanity.

I aim to leave you with ideas to better support your colleagues, customers, community, and not least of all, yourself and those who matter most. For, everyone, including you, deserves a Happy Space.

🙂 If you or someone you know will enjoy exploring this topic with a supportive community, check out or share https://www.HappySpacePod.com

🙂 If you're wondering if you might be an HSP, take the HSP quiz at https://clarekumar.com/hsp-quiz/

🙂 sign up for Clare's the Happy Space "museletter" - a monthly email full of good stuff about productivity & inclusivity

🙂 Find out more about your host at https://clarekumar.com/

About your host

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Clare Kumar

Productivity catalyst, highly sensitive executive coach, and speaker, Clare Kumar cultivates sustainable performance in busy professionals so they can keep making rich contributions in all areas of life and achieve greater fulfillment. She inspires leaders, professionals, employees and entrepreneurs to respect humanity and boost performance through marrying productivity and pleasure. After all, why shouldn’t you have fun while getting things done?