Highs and Lows

Setup

1. Define the time frame (past week, month, or quarter) and clarify the purpose: celebrate wins, surface challenges, and build empathy.
2. Aim for groups of 4–20. For larger meetings, pre-plan breakout rooms of 4–8 people.
3. Decide the share order: round-robin, facilitator-managed stack, or popcorn (volunteer next). Rotate order each session.
4. Timebox to 1–2 minutes per person. Prepare a visible timer.
5. Establish psychological safety: confidentiality, option to pass, and positive intent. Share these norms up front.
6. Virtual: encourage camera-on, test audio, and use hand-raise or reactions. In-person: arrange seats in a circle or horseshoe to support eye contact.
7. The facilitator prepares a model share that is concise and appropriately vulnerable to set the tone.

How to Play

1. Open with the definition: a 'high' is a best moment or win; a 'low' is the biggest challenge or frustration within the chosen time frame.
2. Facilitator goes first, modeling depth, brevity (1–2 minutes), and balance (one high and one low), plus one next step or need.
3. Proceed in the chosen order. Each person shares one high and one low (either order). Encourage specificity over vagueness.
4. Listeners practice active listening: no interruptions, avoid problem-solving during the share. Jot quick notes if you want to follow up later.
5. After each share, allow 15–30 seconds for one of: a brief appreciation, a clarifying question, or an offer of help if invited. Keep it short.
6. The facilitator time-checks gently. If a story runs long, acknowledge value and park deeper discussion for follow-up.
7. Close with a 1–3 minute reflection: themes noticed, support needed, and wins to celebrate. Confirm any follow-ups and owners.

Rules

1. Balance: each person shares both a high and a low.
2. Time respect: 1–2 minutes per person; brief responses only after.
3. Consent: advice and problem-solving only if the speaker invites it.
4. Safety: confidentiality by default; share your own experience, not others'.
5. Inclusion: passing is allowed; participants can circle back later.
6. Relevance: focus on the agreed time frame; keep it work-related unless the group agrees otherwise.
7. Fair turn-taking: rotate who starts so no one always goes first or last.

Tips

• Use a visible timer and a speaking queue to keep flow smooth.
• Model the tone you want: specific, human, and concise.
• Normalize lows; thank people for candid shares.
• Capture follow-ups after the round to maintain momentum.
• Use reactions (thumbs up, heart) to signal support without interrupting.
• If energy dips, run a quick applause round for highs.

Variations

• High, Low, Help: after sharing, name one specific request for support.
• Rose, Thorn, Bud: high (rose), low (thorn), and a budding opportunity to watch.
• Pair and Share: pairs or trios share first, then bring one highlight each to the full group.
• Async Thread: collect highs and lows in a shared doc or chat before the meeting; skim and spotlight themes live.
• Themed Rounds: choose a focus such as customer impact, teamwork, or personal growth for a given session.