Rose, Thorn, Bud
A thoughtful sharing activity about a recent positive (rose), a challenge (thorn), and something to look forward to (bud).
How to Play
- 1Go around the group and have each person share three things:
- 2A 'Rose': a positive thing or highlight from their day/week.
- 3A 'Thorn': a challenge they faced.
- 4A 'Bud': something they are looking forward to.
- 5This is a great way to check in and share on a deeper level.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
"We're going to do a check-in called Rose, Thorn, and Bud. Share your Rose - something positive from recently; your Thorn - a challenge you're facing; and your Bud - something you're looking forward to. This helps us understand how everyone is really doing. I'll go first to model."
Closing Script:
"Thank you everyone for sharing so openly. It takes courage to share both our wins and struggles. Remember, we're all here to support each other through the thorns and celebrate the roses together."
Why This Works
Balancing wins, challenges, and hopes makes sharing feel real and hopeful. The 'bud' looks forward, not just back. Over time, this simple ritual helps the group feel safe being honest.
Best For
- Team check-ins and retrospectives
- Building psychological safety
- Teams going through challenging times
- Regular team rituals (weekly/monthly)
- Both virtual and in-person settings
Important Notes
- Some people may share very personal or heavy thorns - be prepared to acknowledge and support
- Set a time limit per person (1-2 minutes) to keep it moving
- Model vulnerability as the facilitator to set the tone
- Consider making thorns optional for those uncomfortable sharing challenges