The Big Compliment
As leaders we must always look for ways to Encourage the Heart. We can do this personally or we can enlist our team to help. In this exercise team members can take the opportunity to show appreciation for, encourage and thank each other. It helps to break down barriers, build unity, and build intimacy amongst team members. This activity can be easily adapted as a virtual experience.
Materials:
- Note card, piece of paper or thank you note
- Markers or colored pencils
- Pen
- If being done virtually use the whiteboard on Zoom (or similar) or have participants gather the supplies and have on hand for the activity
Process:
- Have everyone write their name on the card/paper
- Put all the cards/paper into a “hat”. Have each person draw a name. Ask everyone who drew a name to write words of encouragement to the participant whose name was drawn. Allow about 3 to 5 minutes.
- After everyone has written a card, ask participants to pass the card/paper to the person it was written about. Alternatively, you can ask that team members read their cards out
loud then provide to the person it was written about. - If being done virtually, have each person take a picture of the card and email it to the person they have written about or share their whiteboard/paper with the team.
If you are not part of an intact team, you can use this exercise to share words of encouragement or thanks with peers, your boss or others who have had a positive impact on you. Everyone enjoys being recognized for how they have supported or encouraged you!
** Adapted by Kim Gibbons using the Complimentary Closer by Michael Gerlach and the Thank You Card created by Ricky Foo. Both activities are published in The Leadership Challenge Activities Book