One of the most effective practices to promote team flourishing is gratitude.
Contrary to popular belief, the most significant positive effects of gratitude (there are many) come from receiving, not giving - or from witnessing others sharing gratitude with each other.
To be sure, gratitude journals and "counting our blessings" have a positive effect, but gratitude's primary psychological and physiological benefits stem from receiving and observing. Gratitude works best when it's reciprocal, observed, and shared.
The acclaimed relationship psychologist Dr. John Gottman invented a game called Gratitude Tennis that you might want to try at your next team check-in.
It's a simple process that takes only a few minutes to play, and everyone wins - especially those receiving or witnessing the gratitude exchange. Like most things in life, results are best when shared. Be sure to do this as a whole team and not in small groups for maximum benefit.
Rules:
1. Player one serves up something they are grateful for (ideally about the person they are serving to).
2. Player 2 must "return" the gratitude with something they are grateful for - this can be to the person who served to them or someone new.
3. Repeat "serving" gratitudes back and forth between team members until a 3-min timer goes off.
Depending on the team size, not everyone will have a turn, so pick up where you left off at the next meeting.
Remember, the benefits of a gratitude exchange extend to those who observe - not only those who participate. Everyone wins this game.
I can't think of a more effective way to spend three minutes at the start of a meeting. I guarantee the team will be in a different place.
Photo by Moises Alex on Unsplash