Building Strong Relationships Through Feedback: The “I Appreciate…” Exercise
Updated: Aug 17
Regular, thoughtful feedback is key to building strong relationships and high-performing teams. The “I Appreciate…” exercise is a gentle way to introduce feedback in groups that are still getting comfortable with each other. It encourages participants to share appreciation and curiosity in a supportive way. This exercise works equally well face-to-face or online.
Overview of the Exercise
Number of participants: 40+
Time needed: Between 60 - 120 minutes
Materials: Post-it notes or digital sticky notes, pens or markers
Step 1: Prepare the Group
The aim of feedback exercises is to foster trust, openness, and self-awareness within a team. Always approach them with care and keep an eye on group dynamics.
Divide participants into small teams of 4-6 people. Each group should have at least some experience working together so that feedback is meaningful. For online sessions, use breakout rooms for these smaller groups.
Step 2: Explain the Instructions
Ask participants to write feedback for each person in their group using the following template. Encourage them to keep their feedback clear and constructive:
“To [Name]:
What I appreciate most about you is…
What I would like to see more from you is…
From [Your Name]”
Step 3: Share the Feedback
Each participant writes a separate note for every other person in their group. When everyone has finished, they share their feedback aloud, either handing over the post-it or sending the digital note to the recipient.
This simple exercise helps teams build appreciation, curiosity, and constructive communication in a low-pressure setting.
The Importance of Feedback in Team Dynamics
Feedback is essential for growth. It helps individuals understand their strengths and areas for improvement. When feedback is given in a supportive manner, it can lead to increased motivation and engagement.
Building Trust Through Feedback
Trust is the foundation of any successful team. When team members feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings, they are more likely to contribute openly. The “I Appreciate…” exercise promotes this trust by focusing on positive attributes before addressing areas for growth.
Encouraging Open Communication
Open communication is vital for collaboration. By encouraging team members to express appreciation, you create an environment where everyone feels valued. This leads to better teamwork and more effective problem-solving.
Fostering Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional development. Feedback helps individuals reflect on their behaviours and understand how they are perceived by others. The “I Appreciate…” exercise encourages this reflection in a constructive way.
Tips for Successful Implementation
Create a Safe Environment
Ensure that participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Set ground rules for respectful communication.
Be Mindful of Group Dynamics
Pay attention to how participants interact. Adjust the group composition if necessary to ensure everyone feels included.
Encourage Honesty and Openness
Remind participants that constructive feedback is a gift. Encourage them to be honest while remaining respectful.
Follow Up
After the exercise, check in with participants. Discuss how they felt about the feedback process and any insights they gained.
