Rose and Thorn
A quick check-in where each person shares one high point and one low point from their week, plus an optional bright spot ahead.
- Time
- 5 to 15 minutes
- People
- 3 to 15
- Where
- In person or Virtual
- You need
- Nothing
How to play
- Explain the terms: the rose is a recent highlight, and the thorn is a challenge or something that bugged you.
- Give everyone thirty seconds of quiet to pick one rose and one thorn from the past week.
- Go around the circle, or call names on a video call, and let each person share both in under a minute.
- Listen without fixing problems or debating; a simple thank you after each share is enough.
- Close by naming any themes you heard, such as a shared thorn the team could tackle together.
Tips
- Model the tone by going first with a small, honest example, which shows that thorns can be minor.
- Anyone can say pass or share only a rose; never press for details about a thorn.
- Use it as a regular Monday or end-of-project ritual so it feels normal rather than forced.
Variations
- Rose, Bud and Thorn: add a bud, something you are looking forward to or an idea that is just starting.
- Written version: everyone types a rose and a thorn in the chat at the same time, then a few people expand on theirs.