Appreciation Circle
Each person receives genuine appreciation from teammates - powerful closing ritual for building gratitude culture.
10-25 min
4-15 people
low
None needed
About This Game
Appreciation Circle is a heartfelt closing activity where each person receives specific, genuine appreciation from their teammates. One person sits in the "hot seat" while others share what they value about them. This builds psychological safety, gratitude culture, and positive team bonds.
Objectives
- Build culture of gratitude and recognition
- Strengthen interpersonal bonds
- Help people see their positive impact
- Practice giving and receiving appreciation
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"We're closing with an Appreciation Circle. Each person will have a turn to receive appreciation from the team. When it's your turn, just listen and receive - no need to deflect or minimize. Be specific: share WHAT you appreciate and WHY it matters."
Actions:
- Explain the format clearly
- Set expectations: specific, genuine appreciation
- Emphasize: receive without deflecting
- Create safe, warm atmosphere
Tips:
- • This works best with teams that have worked together
- • Model vulnerability by going first
- • Remind: be specific, not generic
Facilitator Script:
"Let's start with [Name]. Everyone else: what do you appreciate about [Name]? What impact have they had? I'll start: [Name], I appreciate how you..."
Actions:
- One person in hot seat at a time
- Go around - each person shares appreciation
- Allow 2-3 minutes per person total
- Thank the person before moving to next
Tips:
- • Examples: "I appreciate your patience when I was learning X" or "Your humor helps when things get stressful"
- • Keep pace - not everyone needs to speak for each person
- • OK to have silence while people think
- • Watch for emotions - have tissues ready
Facilitator Script:
"Thank you all for that beautiful sharing. How does it feel to give and receive appreciation like this?"
Actions:
- Invite brief reflections
- Acknowledge vulnerability
- Close on gratitude note
Tips:
- • Some people may be emotional - that's OK
- • This often becomes a cherished team ritual
- • End meetings or projects with this
Facilitator Tips
- Best for teams with some psychological safety already
- Perfect closing for: projects, offsites, team milestones, departures
- Encourage specific examples over generic praise
- Some people struggle to receive - that's OK, it's practice
- Virtual: works great with cameras on
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
Write appreciations on cards for each person to take home
Focus on specific project: "What I appreciated about working with you on X"
Name a strength you see in the person
teams have used this game