Team Triumphs
A 15-Minute Team Exercise
As the year winds down, it’s easy to get swept up in what’s left to do. Gratitude invites us to pause and take stock of what’s working, who’s contributing, and how far we’ve come together.
Purpose:
To recognize contributions, celebrate wins, and create a culture of appreciation that boosts engagement and connection.
Time required: 10-15 minutes
Step 1: Set the Stage (2 minutes)
Begin by explaining why you’re doing this:
“Before we dive into updates, I’d like us to take a few minutes to reflect on what’s gone well and appreciate the wins we’ve had as a team.”
Emphasize that there’s no need for perfection. The goal is recognition, not a performance review.
Step 2: Identify Wins (5–7 minutes)
Ask each team member to share up to three recent wins or contributions they are proud of. They can be big or small.
Encourage wins that reflect effort, growth, or collaboration, not just outcomes.
Example prompts you could offer if people pause:
“What’s a moment this month where you felt proud of your work?”
“Where did your efforts make a difference for the team or the mission?”
Step 3: Express Appreciation (2–4 minutes)
Respond to each share with genuine acknowledgment. Highlight the impact or qualities demonstrated.
Keep it brief but specific. For example: “Your persistence on that project helped us stay on track.”
Invite others to add quick acknowledgments as well, creating a circle of appreciation.
Step 4: Document the Good (optional)
Maintain a team gratitude log (a shared document, whiteboard, or note in your agenda) to capture wins, milestones, and recurring efforts. This helps ensure contributions are remembered and recognized over time.
Reflection for Leaders/Facilitators
Take a few minutes to reflect on running this exercise:
What wins or contributions might I have overlooked this year?
How do I currently recognize and celebrate my team’s achievements?
What impact could more intentional gratitude have on engagement, morale, and trust?