Six Word Memoir

How to Play

Setup

1. Choose a theme: life story, current project, team values, or work philosophy. Share the theme and a couple of examples (e.g., "Started small, dreaming bigger every day"; "Coffee enthusiast building collaborative team culture").
2. Tools: In-person, provide sticky notes or index cards and markers. Virtual, use a shared doc, chat, or whiteboard (Miro, Mural, Jamboard) and a timer.
3. Create a display space: a wall/board for a physical gallery or a virtual board/chat thread to collect all memoirs.
4. Timebox: Plan 2–3 minutes to write, then 15–45 seconds per person to share and briefly explain. Adjust total time based on group size.
5. Psychological safety: Encourage voluntary depth—participants control what they share.

How to Play

1. Introduce the constraint: Write a memoir of exactly six words that fits today’s theme. Clarify counting rules: hyphenated or contracted words count as one; numbers (e.g., 2025) count as one; emojis optional for virtual but do not replace words.
2. Quiet write (2–3 minutes): Invite participants to brainstorm a few options, then select their favorite. Prompt them to focus on clarity and rhythm.
3. Refine: Encourage swapping a filler word for a stronger verb or image. Have them double-check the word count.
4. Share: Go round-robin or popcorn style. Each person reads their six words clearly, then—if they choose—adds a brief explanation (15–30 seconds) about why they chose those words.
5. Invite one question per memoir: The goal is curiosity, not critique. Keep it light and appreciative.
6. Gallery: Post each memoir to the shared space as it’s read. In-person, stick notes on the wall; virtual, paste into the whiteboard/chat. Take a group photo or export afterward.
7. Debrief (2–5 minutes): Ask, "What did you learn about the team?" "What themes emerged?" "What surprised you?"

Rules

1. Exactly six words—no more, no fewer.
2. Keep shares brief and respectful; explanations are optional.
3. Curiosity over critique: Ask questions, avoid judging.
4. Voluntary depth: Share only what feels comfortable.
5. One microphone at a time; stay within timeboxes.
6. Accessibility: Allow typing or dictation; accommodate language preferences.

Tips

• Offer seed prompts: origin story, current mood, project status, team superpower, customer promise.
• Model first with your own six-word memoir to set tone.
• Use strong verbs and vivid nouns; cut filler words.
• For large groups, split into breakout rooms of 5–8, then return with highlights.
• Save the gallery to inspire team charters, onboarding materials, or wall art.
• Consider a playful soundtrack during writing time to reduce pressure.

Variations

• Paired Remix: In pairs, swap drafts and help each other refine to six words.
• Themed Rounds: Run multiple quick rounds (Origin, Project Update, Gratitude, Future Vision).
• Anonymous Guessing: Submit anonymously; group guesses the author before the reveal.
• Status Snapshot: For agile teams, use six words as sprint check-ins.
• Visual Memoir: Add a tiny doodle or icon next to the six words.
• Speed Round: 60 seconds to write; no explanations—just the words for a high-energy opener.