The Weekly Huddle
Why a 15-minute rhythm can set the tone for your entire week
One of the most fruitful practices I found as a senior leader was the weekly huddle—a short, focused staff meeting that kept our team aligned and energized.
For years, when I ran a division of a large Canadian public company out of our regional office in suburban Toronto, we gathered every Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. in our lunchroom. Between 25 and 35 people made up the office, and this simple rhythm quickly became one of the anchors of our culture.
The Rhythm
Light snacks and drinks set a welcoming tone.
Quick look back at the week that was.
Look ahead at the priorities for the week to come.
Brief departmental updates: each team could share a win, milestone, or pressing issue.
Most weeks, the meeting was done in 15 minutes or less. Some call this a weekly stand-up—get in, get focused, and get back to work.
“A weekly huddle keeps everyone focused on what matters most—and gives you a chance to reinforce the vision.”
And if you’re in a hybrid or remote environment, the same principle applies. Your huddle can just as easily happen on Zoom or Teams—the key is the rhythm, not the room.
Why It Worked
Alignment – Everyone left knowing the priorities for the week.
Focus – We reinforced what we measured and why it mattered.
Culture – A shared space to connect, celebrate, and remember our purpose.
Development – Rotating who led the meeting gave more people a chance to present and grow their skills.
Occasionally we’d extend the meeting to show a short development video, but if we were going to take more than 15 minutes, we always gave notice the week before. Respecting people’s time built trust.
The Bigger Why
For us, the “why” was clear: we existed to support 18 stores across Ontario and our growing e-commerce site. That vision needed to be repeated often. The weekly huddle was a perfect space to remind the team why their work mattered.
Your Turn
Do you have a weekly rhythm with your team? Whether it’s a stand-up, a huddle, or a Monday morning touchpoint, the key is consistency, clarity, and connection.
My challenge to you:
Start small—10 minutes, same time every week. Keep it tight, keep it focused, and use it to reinforce your vision. You’ll be surprised at the long-term impact.
Stephen
Show Up and Serve #23