Gratitude Grid
Fill a 3x3 board with quick thank-yous
Game Overview.
Participants see a nine-square grid with prompts like "thank someone for a recent save" or "appreciate a quiet strength." They fill squares by naming teammates who fit each prompt.
Objectives
- ✓Encourage rapid recognition of peers
- ✓Highlight contributions that may go unnoticed
- ✓Create a lightweight ritual that can recur weekly
What You'll Need
- •Digital or printed 3x3 grid template
- •Pen, stylus, or text fields for each square
- •Timer and optional music for reflection time
Preparation
- 1Customize grid prompts to reflect your values
- 2Share the grid template beforehand for virtual meetings
- 3Decide whether participants will share their grid or keep it personal
How to Play
STEP 1
Explain the Grid
Walk through each square’s prompt so players know what to write.
STEP 2
Fill the Squares
Give everyone two minutes to jot names or short notes in as many squares as possible.
STEP 3
Share Out
Invite volunteers to shout out one or two names from their grid.
STEP 4
Follow Up
Encourage participants to message the people they mentioned after the meeting.
Pro Tips
- Provide extra time for thoughtful notes if you plan to share publicly
- Encourage people to stretch beyond their immediate team
- Rotate grid prompts monthly to keep the exercise fresh
- Consider mailing printed grids as postcards after an offsite
Variations
Anonymous Grid
Collect grids and share aggregated shoutouts without names attached.
Customer Gratitude
Swap teammate names for customer stories or partners.
Achievement Grid
Fill squares with wins you are proud of instead of people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I encourage authenticity?
Prompt participants to cite specific actions rather than generic praise.
Can we do this asynchronously?
Yes. Share the template in a chat channel and let people fill it throughout the week.
Is there a printable version?
Create a PDF template or simply fold a sheet of paper into nine sections.
Tags
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