Compliment Chain Reaction
Positive shoutouts that travel around the room
Game Overview.
Kick off by complimenting one person, then have them immediately pass a new compliment to someone else. The chain continues until every participant has both given and received appreciation.
Objectives
- ✓Create a burst of positive energy before deeper work
- ✓Normalize giving specific appreciation among teammates
- ✓Ensure every participant is seen and acknowledged
What You'll Need
- •List of participant names or a randomizer tool
- •Timer or gentle chime to keep pace
- •Optional digital whiteboard to capture compliments
Preparation
- 1Share guidance on giving compliments that cite behaviors, not just traits
- 2Decide whether the compliment chain will be random or follow a seating order
- 3Set expectations for time per compliment (30-45 seconds)
How to Play
STEP 1
Model the Format
Facilitator gives the first compliment to demonstrate specificity and tone.
STEP 2
Start the Chain
The person who received the compliment immediately passes one to another teammate.
STEP 3
Keep It Moving
Continue until everyone has spoken once. If someone draws a blank, allow a short pause or prompt.
STEP 4
Reflect Briefly
End with a one-sentence reflection on how it felt to give or receive praise.
Pro Tips
- Encourage participants to compliment people outside their usual circle
- Use a running order displayed on screen to avoid awkward pauses
- Remind everyone to keep compliments specific to recent actions
- Follow up with a written appreciation thread for asynchronous teammates
Variations
Anonymous Chain
Collect compliments beforehand and have the facilitator read them aloud.
Sticky Note Wall
Have participants write compliments on notes and stick them on a wall or digital board.
Slack Shoutouts
Create a dedicated chat channel for ongoing compliment chains throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if someone struggles to think of a compliment?
Provide prompt cards that highlight areas like collaboration, creativity, or reliability.
How do we make sure everyone participates?
Use a pre-set order or a randomized list to guarantee every name appears once.
Is this too cheesy for corporate settings?
Most teams appreciate the positivity as long as compliments stay specific and sincere.
Tags
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