Team Building Exercise: Thank You Note

Purpose

An activity suitable for people from the same team, this exercise illuminates the importance of appreciating team members’ efforts and encourages delegates to show their gratitude towards their colleagues more often. This activity is especially effective at the beginning of the training session to create a good atmosphere in the session.

Objective

Participants to write down a "Thank You" note to their colleagues.

What You Need

• A sheet of paper and a pen for each participant.

Setup

• Explain to participants that they have 5 minutes to write a thank you note for each one of their colleagues in the group. The note should be clear on the reasons for the thank you note.
• After writing the notes, delegates should fold them and hand them out to the recipients.
• Allow 2 minutes for people to read their notes.

Timing

Explaining the Test: 2 minutes.

Activity: 5 + 2 = 7 minutes

Group Feedback: 5 minutes.

Discussion

How did you find this exercise? Was it easy to come up with a reason to thank your colleagues? How does reading other people’s thank you notes make you feel? Will you try this activity or a similar exercise in the future? How can we improve this exercise?