Here’s an idea for the beginning or end of any team meeting you are leading this week.

It’s not a new idea. But it’s good. And yes – people will roll their eyes. That’s okay. The results are good. Good boosts to morale and productivity.

Say something to the group like:

“It’s been a tough year.  And there is still a lot of tough work ahead.  But right now – let’s celebrate all that we have done this year.”

and/or

Post our Quote of the Week or read it to the group:

Then say: “Let’s make a list of all the things  we’ve done or accomplished.”

You can go around the room and ask each person to share one thing.

Or you can ask participants to call things out as soon as they think of them.

Write each item on a flip chart or marker board. Or ask for a volunteer to do it.

After 3-5 minutes, or when the contribution of ideas slow down, show this quote:

Pause and see if that triggers some additional items to add to the list.

When ideas slow down, tell participants that you will leave the list posted and that you hope they will add to the list throughout the week.

Close with this quote:

“The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for. ” Zig Ziglar

*****

Important Follow up – A few times each day, walk over to where the list is posted. Stop to review add-ons. Make comments. Let people hear you and see you doing this. Hopefully they will come join you for a few minutes. It’s great “connect” time.

If possible, leave the list posted for review at the first staff meeting you have after Thanksgiving. Call attention to it and make a statement such as: “We really do have a lot for which to be thankful. And that makes it easier – don’t you think? – to deal with the challenges we face.”

You might compile it into a neater version to share in print or electronically. See example here.

Note: Don’t have a staff? I hope you will conduct your own Thanksgiving inventory. Use the white board in front of your computer. Or just a piece of paper on the back of your door. It’s a powerful exercise.

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