Plus/Delta

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Collect clear feedback on an activity or project that distinguishes repeatable practices from specific change requests.

Use it when: At the close of a workshop, sprint, or collaborative session when the group needs quick, actionable reflection.

Skip it when: When a team needs deep root-cause analysis or when interpersonal conflict requires a mediated dialogue rather than a structured chart.

Group arrangement: Individual reflection followed by whole-room collection on a central chart

Timing: Gamestorming lists 10 to 45 minutes; 15 minutes is standard for a closing evaluation of up to 24 people.

Materials and tools

• 1 whiteboard, flip chart pad, or large wall surface
• Dry-erase markers or flip chart markers
• Sticky notes (one pad of 3x3 inch notes per 4 participants)
• Pens (one per participant)

Before participants arrive

1. Draw a vertical line down the center of the chart surface.
2. Label the left column '+' (Plus) and the right column 'Δ' (Delta).
3. Place sticky notes and pens on tables within reach of all participants.

Say this to open

We are going to do a quick reflection on our session today using Plus/Delta. On your sticky notes, write what went well and should be repeated under Plus. Under Delta, write what you would change or improve for next time. Focus Delta notes on constructive changes rather than simple complaints.

How to run it

1. Set up and explain the columns 2 minutes

   Introduce the two columns. Explain that '+' captures positive, repeatable actions. Explain that 'Δ' stands for change and captures constructive adjustments. Offer a clear example: a Plus is 'The pre-read arrived three days early,' while a Delta is 'Keep the small group discussions to 10 minutes instead of 20.'

2. Silent individual writing 4 minutes

   Ask everyone to write silently. Participants write one idea per sticky note. Prompt them to aim for at least one Plus and one Delta, while keeping submissions optional. Stop the room when writing slows down or the four minutes conclude.

3. Collect and post notes 6 minutes

   Have participants post their notes in the matching column on the chart. Call up participants table by table or ask volunteers to read their note aloud before placing it. If duplicate themes emerge, cluster similar notes together. Ensure the room gathers around 6 to 8 read-outs across both columns to respect the time limit.

4. Review and close 3 minutes

   Read through key themes across both columns. Check for clarity on any Delta notes that suggest vague actions. Document the completed board for distribution or immediate planning.

Debrief questions

• Which Plus items represent habits we must protect and keep doing next time?
• Which Delta item would make the biggest immediate improvement if we fixed it first?

Finished output: A visible two-column chart containing categorized sticky notes that outline repeatable strengths and specific changes.

Remote

Use a digital whiteboard with two pre-drawn columns labeled Plus (+) and Delta (Δ). Give participants four minutes to add digital notes to both columns simultaneously. Use the remaining time to review the board, grouping matching ideas together verbally.

Hybrid

Have remote participants enter their ideas into a shared online two-column board or meeting chat. Designate an in-room scribe to write remote contributions onto physical sticky notes and post them on the physical wall so both audiences see the exact same feedback.

Access and participation choices

• Participants may submit notes anonymously without their name attached.
• Participants who prefer not to write can state ideas verbally to the facilitator or a peer to scribe.
• Any participant may choose to observe silently without submitting notes.

If the session gets stuck

Participants use the Delta column to vent general frustration without offering actionable changes.

Remind the room that Delta represents change. Ask the contributor: 'What specific action should we do differently next time to prevent that?'

The group only writes Plus items and avoids Delta items out of politeness.

Acknowledge that every strong process has room to adjust. Offer one neutral operational Delta yourself, such as adjusting break lengths, to give permission for constructive critiques.

Terms used here

• Delta (Δ): The Greek letter used in mathematics and engineering as a symbol for change or difference.