Preparation
01 · Define the purpose
- Establish the goal: to foster gratitude, strengthen bonds, or conclude an activity on a positive note?
02 · Select the right moment
- Conduct the activity after a collaborative session or at the close of a workshop or group event.
03 · Prepare the space
- If in-person, arrange a circle where everyone can see each other face-to-face.
- If virtual, use a platform with a gallery view to replicate group interaction.
04 · Optional materials
- Cards or sticky notes for participants to write their gratitude messages.
- Symbolic objects like a ball or microphone to pass among participants.
Step-by-step instructions
1
Introduce the purpose
- Explain that the goal is to recognize and express gratitude for something positive each participant has observed or experienced with their peers.
- Share the importance of gratitude in building relationships and group cohesion.
2
Set the circle's rules
- Emphasize that expressions of gratitude should be sincere, specific, and positive.
- Ensure everyone participates, taking turns and avoiding interruptions.
3
Start the circle of gratitude
- Ask one participant to begin by thanking another group member for something specific (e.g., "I thank for their support in...").
- The thanked participant can then express gratitude to someone else, and so on.
4
Optional: Write the gratitude messages
- If preferred, participants can write their messages on cards and share them aloud or deliver them to the recipient.
5
Close the circle
- Once everyone has participated, conclude the activity by thanking the group for their willingness and reflecting on the importance of recognizing others' value.
6
Group reflection (optional)
- Facilitate a brief discussion on how participants felt while giving and receiving gratitude:
- What impact did this activity have on them?
- How could the practice of gratitude be applied in other contexts?
Materials
Space to form a circle (if in-person).
Cards or sticky notes (optional).
Symbolic objects to pass the turn (optional).
Practical recommendations
Encourage sincerity
Motivate participants to be specific and genuine in their expressions of gratitude.
Create a safe environment
Establish a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and receiving gratitude.
Document the process
If possible, keep written gratitude messages for participants to preserve as a reminder.
Adapt the format
For large groups, divide into subgroups to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Inspiration
When to run a Circle of gratitude
- At the end of a group session: To conclude on a positive note and highlight individual contributions.
- After completing a joint project: To acknowledge the effort and skills that led to collective success.
- Following a problem-solving activity: To value the ideas and support provided by participants.
- During a monthly team meeting: To encourage consistent recognition in workplace settings.
- At the end of a training session or workshop: To reflect on learnings and highlight peer support.
- As part of a feedback session: To balance constructive comments with positive acknowledgments.
- During a celebration or special event: To publicly appreciate each member’s contributions during key moments.
- In weekly follow-up meetings: To reinforce achievements and positive attitudes within the team.
- After resolving a group conflict: To restore cohesion and trust by recognizing individual contributions.
- At the end of an academic or work year: To reflect on the collective and personal impact of completed activities.
- As part of a retreat or group gathering: To strengthen connections and value interactions during the event.
- When welcoming new team members: To create a warm and inclusive environment for newcomers.
- During organizational change processes: To recognize the team’s adaptability, effort, and resilience.
- In community development activities: To publicly thank volunteers or participants for their involvement.
- After a challenging or stressful event: To boost group morale by highlighting the positives.
- As part of team-building activities: To strengthen emotional bonds in newly formed teams.
- At the close of an important cycle or stage: To emphasize learnings and participant contributions.
- Following creative or brainstorming sessions: To acknowledge the energy and creativity brought to the process.
- In remote team meetings: To foster human connections in virtual contexts through sincere recognition.
