Appreciation Round

Purpose

The Appreciation Round is a closing ritual that leaves participants feeling seen and valued. Each person shares one specific thing they appreciate about the person next to them (or someone in the group). It strengthens relationships, reinforces positive behaviours, and ends the session on a high note.

At a glance

• Group size: 4–20
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilitation style: Round-robin sharing
• Setting: In-person or virtual

How to run

1. Announce: "We're going to close with an appreciation round. Turn to the person on your left and share one specific thing you appreciate about them or something they contributed today."
2. Model it by appreciating someone first.
3. Go around the group.
4. Allow the receiver to simply say "thank you" — no deflecting or returning the compliment immediately.
5. Close with gratitude for the group as a whole.

Materials needed

• None

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Vague appreciation: "You're great" is less impactful than "I appreciated when you challenged that assumption in our discussion."
• Deflecting: Receivers often try to downplay. Encourage simply saying "thank you."
• Unequal appreciation: If going to the person on your left, ensure no one is skipped.
• Too long: One sentence per person is enough.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Virtual-friendly.
• No physical activity.
• Can be done in writing (appreciation cards) for those who find verbal praise difficult.
• Ensure the structure guarantees everyone receives appreciation.

Variations

• Written appreciation: Write notes instead of speaking.
• Hot seat appreciation: One person sits while everyone shares one appreciation for them.
• Appreciation wall: Write appreciations on sticky notes and post them on a wall.

When NOT to use this

• At the very start of a session when people don't know each other yet.
• When group dynamics are toxic and forced appreciation would feel insincere.
• In very large groups (20+) where the round takes too long.

Source & further reading

• A staple of coaching circles, team retrospectives, and facilitated workshops.
• Rooted in positive psychology and strengths-based practices.