Positive Gossip
Start Turning Around a Destructive Pattern of Negative Gossip (~15 min.)
“The road to success is always under construction.”
Purposes
In Positive Gossip, participants share positive feedback about each other and the group. This practice creates a climate of appreciation that boosts performance and teamwork. It transforms negative gossip cycles into positive ones, serving as an antidote to discontent and indifference. It enacts LS Principle #9, Engage in Seriously Playful Curiosity.
Principle: Engage in Seriously Playful Curiosity
Five Structural Elements—Min Specs
Structuring Invitation
“In this activity we are going to ditch negativity and practice giving and getting positive feedback. Positive Gossip is like regular gossip, but way more fun and uplifting!”
Space and Materials
Space for participants to stand in pairs [breakouts of two].
Participation Distribution
Roles include host [tech host] and participants. Minimum group size is twelve. Everyone is included and has an equal opportunity to contribute.
Group Configuration
Pairs, whole group.
Steps and Time Allocation
Intro: Share the structuring invitation. Explain that you will give people instructions as they go [post instructions for each round in chat before sending everyone to breakouts]. (1 min.)
First Round: Participants form pairs [breakouts]. Each takes one minute to share positive gossip about a mentor or supporter in their life. Signal [broadcast a message] when it is time to switch roles. (3 min.)
Middle Round: Participants form new pairs. Each takes one minute to share something positive about someone in the group. (3 min.)
Last Round: Participants form new pairs. Each takes one minute to share something positive about their partner. (3 min.)
All-Together Sharing: Everyone returns to plenary. A few people reflect on these questions out loud or in the chat: How did it feel to go through the rounds? Now that we’ve practiced Positive Gossip, where else could we use this in our lives? What good could it bring to life? (5 min.)
Taking It Online
In large groups it can be challenging to ensure each person gets a new partner in each round. The tech host can preset the breakout rooms after the first round. Post prompts in the chat before each breakout. Be aware that facial expressions, body language, subtle gestures, and tone of voice make a difference in Positive Gossip interactions, and it’s easy to miss these signals online.
Practice Insights
Tips
F2F, don’t reveal prompts until pairs are formed. Encourage exaggeration and lightheartedness, mimicking the patterns of negative gossip, as in “Did you see Nancy come to the rescue again and again!” Be prepared for an outpouring of emotion and laughter.
Riffs and Variations
Invite positive gossip about a person who is regularly the target of negative gossip. Switch up the prompts, such as inviting people to share something they contributed recently.
Practical Applications
Help people reflect on their progress and show appreciation at the close of a meeting. Inspire good cheer at a celebration or launch.
Optional String
String with What I Need From You or Generative Relationships STAR to build on positive momentum at individual and group levels. Follow with What, So What, Now What to leverage what was discovered.
Attribution
Inspired by the Strozzi Institute for Somatics through Tracy Rekart and adapted by Neil McCarthy and Keith McCandless.
Collateral Materials
Link to supporting materials for Positive Gossip.
A one-slide overview of the elements of Positive Gossip in the LS constellation format