Rose and Thorn Check-in
A structured reflection where participants share one 'Rose' (a success or positive highlight) and one 'Thorn' (a challenge or obstacle) from their recent work week. It balances celebration with vulnerability.
To build empathy and provide a safe space for teams to acknowledge both wins and struggles.
Solves: A culture of 'toxic positivity' where challenges are ignored, or a team that only focuses on problems.
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Step 1: Define the Rose (positive) and the Thorn (challenge) to the group (1 min).
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Step 2: Provide 2 minutes of quiet time for individuals to identify their own (2 mins).
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Step 3: Go around the 'virtual room' and have each person share both briefly (1 min per person).
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Step 4: Facilitator summarizes common themes or offers support for the 'Thorns' (2 mins).
- As the facilitator, share first to set the tone for vulnerability.
- Don't try to 'fix' the Thorns immediately; just acknowledge them.
- Rose, Thorn, and Bud (where 'Bud' is something they are looking forward to).