June 2025

Written By Sam Totten
 

Lessons as Lyrics

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

– Beethoven

WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING?

Everyday we have an opportunity to learn from our businesses.  The successes that come our way, the challenges we face, and everything in between can provide great lessons for our future if we are paying attention.  This month, we encourage you and your team to reflect on what you have accomplished so far this year and more importantly what you have learned as a company through the fun activity below.

LESSONS AS LYRICS - Team Playlist Reflection Activity

Purpose: To help teams reflect on key learnings, challenges, and accomplishments from the year so far by turning them into a creative and musical metaphor: a team playlist.

Duration: 45 to 60 minutes total

Group Size: 3 to 5 people per group

MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • Flip chart paper or large sheets for each group

  • Markers, pens, sticky notes



FACILITATION STEPS:

  • Set the Tone (5 minutes) Welcome the group and explain:

    "Music is a powerful way to capture emotions, moments, and meaning. Today, your team will turn your biggest lessons and takeaways from this year so far, into a creative playlist. Each song on your 'album' will represent something meaningful you've experienced, learned, or overcome together."

  • Group Breakouts (25 minutes) Break into small groups. Give each group a large sheet of paper labeled: Our 2025 Soundtrack So Far.

    Prompt: Create 3 to 5 tracks that reflect what your team has learned or experienced this year. For each track, include:

    • Song Title (real or made up)

    • A short lyric or chorus line (optional, for fun!)

    • A short description of what the track represents (e.g., a team breakthrough, a big challenge, a value you've leaned on, a moment of growth, etc.)

    • The 'vibe' of the song (e.g., upbeat, chill, epic, emotional, etc.)

    • Looking Forward - Have one of their songs be on the future and what they will need to focus on the rest of the year.

      Encourage groups to draw album covers or decorate their playlist page!

  • Share-Out (10-15 minutes) Each group presents their playlist. Encourage brief, fun storytelling:

    • For example: "Track 1: 'Rolling With It' (an upbeat jazz track) — about the time we handled a chaotic week with humor and teamwork."

  • Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes) Lead a quick group reflection:

    • What surprised you about your team’s playlist?

    • Did any themes or shared experiences emerge across groups?

 
Sam Totten
Next

May 2025