Bus Trip

Practice giving positive and appreciative feedback and demonstrate its importance.

Number of participants: 4-20

Time needed: 30mins

Materials: Several chairs

Step 1: Set Up

Arrange two rows of chairs so they face each other, with as many chairs as there are participants. Place them close together so knees nearly touch. If there’s an odd number of people, add a single chair at the front for the bus driver.

Step 2: Introduce the activity

Welcome everyone to a new invention — a bus that runs entirely on positive energy. Explain that on this bus, everyone will get a chance to talk to each other and enjoy a great journey together.

Step 3: Start the feedback

Invite one row to give positive feedback to the people opposite them. They should share as much appreciation as possible while the others listen. Offer prompts such as:

• “What I like about you is…”

• “What I appreciate about you is…”

• “I feel happy whenever you…”

  
  

Allow 45 seconds for this round.

Step 4: Switch roles

After 45 seconds, signal a swap. Give a short pause, then ask the other row to take their turn.

Step 5: Rotate seats

Once both sides have spoken, it’s time to move.

• With an even number of participants: ask one person to stay put, and have everyone else move one seat clockwise.

• With an odd number: have everyone rotate one seat clockwise, creating a new bus driver.

Step 6: Repeat

Continue the rounds, encouraging everyone to share genuine, positive feedback each time. Adjust the number of rotations depending on how much time you have.

Step 7: Debrief

After several rounds, hold a short reflection. Ask:

• How did it feel to give and receive positive feedback?

• What kind of energy did it create in the room?

• How can we bring more of this appreciation into our work, our team, and our lives?