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#39 Easy

Rose, Bud, Thorn

A reflection-based ice breaker where participants share a highlight, a challenge, and something they're looking forward to using the rose, bud, and thorn metaphor.

reflection sharing emotional check-in mindfulness

Group Size:

3-30 people

Duration:

10-20 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

How to Play:

Rose, Bud, Thorn - How to Play
  1. 1

    Gather participants in a circle or on a video call where everyone can see each other.

  2. 2

    Explain the three elements: Rose (highlight or positive moment), Bud (something you're looking forward to), and Thorn (a challenge or difficulty).

  3. 3

    Give everyone 1-2 minutes to think of their answers.

  4. 4

    Go around the group, with each person sharing their rose, bud, and thorn.

  5. 5

    Encourage active listening - no interruptions while someone shares.

  6. 6

    After everyone has shared, optionally discuss common themes or offer support for thorns.

Rose, Bud, Thorn turns a simple gardening metaphor into meaningful connection. Each person shares three things: a rose (something good), a bud (something they anticipate), and a thorn (a challenge). The magic happens when colleagues discover shared struggles they never mentioned. A sales team tried this after a tough quarter - one person’s thorn about work-life balance sparked a conversation that changed their meeting culture entirely. Unlike surface-level icebreakers, this game invites real reflection while staying structured enough for professional settings.

Best For:

This ice breaker game works perfectly for team meetings, project retrospectives, classroom check-ins, and family dinners. It creates space for honest sharing without being too heavy.

Pro Tips

  • Start with yourself to model vulnerability and set the right tone for sharing.

  • Keep time limits - 1-2 minutes per person prevents rambling and keeps energy high.

  • For larger groups over 15, break into smaller circles of 5-6 people.

  • In professional settings, suggest work-related roses and thorns to keep focus.

  • Use a talking object (like a small plant) to signal whose turn it is.

Variations

  • WWW (What Went Well, What's Worrying, What's Next): A business-friendly version using less metaphorical language.

  • Rose, Rose, Thorn: Skip the bud and share two positives for one negative - great for boosting team morale.

  • Weekly Garden: Each team member maintains a running document, adding entries weekly to track growth over time.

  • Anonymous Thorns: For sensitive topics, have people write thorns on cards and discuss them without attribution.

FAQ

What if someone can't think of a rose or positive for Rose, Bud, Thorn?
That's okay and valid. Suggest they share something small, like 'I made it here today' or 'My coffee was good.' Sometimes acknowledging difficulty is the most honest answer.
How do I handle it when someone shares a very serious thorn in Rose, Bud, Thorn?
Thank them for sharing, acknowledge their courage, and offer to follow up privately. Don't try to solve the problem in the group - just validate their experience.
Is Rose, Bud, Thorn appropriate for professional settings?
Absolutely. This ice breaker game is widely used in agile teams, project retrospectives, and leadership meetings. Frame it around work topics if needed.
What age group works best for Rose, Bud, Thorn?
Ages 8 and up understand the concept well. For younger children, try using emoji faces or weather metaphors instead.
Can we skip the bud part?
Yes. Some teams prefer just Rose and Thorn for faster check-ins. The bud adds forward-thinking energy but isn't essential.

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