A Time of Reflection and Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a great way to infuse energy and positivity into your team. As we neared the end of the year, I wanted to make sure the managers from University of Michigan Medical School Information Systems (MSIS) took time to reflect and share what we were grateful for in the past year.

I asked April Jefferson, our change coach, to design a session with the following goals for our team:

• Give each manager the opportunity to share the positive things that had happened over the last year,
• Take time to celebrate our successes,
• Feel invigorated, empowered, and supported by our peers, and
• Leave with a desire to express gratitude to our teams.

April designed a “Draw and Tell” exercise where we drew pictures in response to a series of questions, starting with “What are you most grateful for this year?” After taking time to draw, each person shared their picture and explained what it meant. As April explained the exercise, the reception in the room was cool at best. While there wasn’t an audible groan, most of the group were not thrilled to be doing a drawing exercise.

April chose drawing purposefully. Drawing is very creative and strengthens memories and experiences. Drawing also produces positive brain chemistry that increase overall state of alertness.

The managers were good sports and doodled their response to the first question. As they shared, the energy in the room changed. Positive feelings of support and gratitude filled the room when each person shared their stories in response to the question, “Who in the management team are you grateful for and how have they supported you this year?” There was laughter and joking and genuine displays of excitement from the managers as they listened to each other sharing their stories.

As we left, we challenged each manager to share their gratitude with each member of their team. When we meet in January, we will share our stories about what happened when we shared our gratitude. I am looking forward to hearing the stories next month.

Please feel free to use the “Draw and Tell” template. April included tips for facilitation. I hope all of you experience similar feelings of support and gratitude if you choose to do the exercise. I would love to hear how others have infused gratitude into their organizations.