Success Tree

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Map individual goals or key takeaways onto a visible group display to guide learning or close a session.

Use it when: Use at the launch of a training session to gather participant objectives, or at the end to collect tangible takeaways and personal action commitments.

Skip it when: Skip when the session already follows a strict, non-negotiable syllabus or when there is no time to review or act on the posted notes.

Group arrangement: Individual reflection followed by whole-room gallery posting and review

Timing: UWT recommended pacing for up to 24 participants based on 5 to 15 minute training source guidance

Materials and tools

• 1 flipchart sheet with a simple tree trunk and branches pre-drawn
• Thick markers (for flipchart drawing and facilitator labeling)
• Packs of multi-colored sticky notes (at least 3 to 5 notes per participant)
• Pens or fine markers (1 per participant)
• Wall-safe tape or blue tack (if mounting the flipchart on a wall)

Before participants arrive

1. Draw a bare tree with trunk and main branches across the full face of a flipchart sheet.
2. Title the top of the chart 'Success Tree'.
3. Mount the chart on a wall or stand where all participants can easily walk up to it.
4. Distribute sticky pads and pens to participant tables.

Say this to open

This chart is our Success Tree. Before we start today's work, each of us has specific outcomes we want to see. Take three minutes to write your key goals on separate sticky notes. Write one clear idea per note, using large letters. When you finish, bring your notes up and stick them onto the branches of the tree.

How to run it

1. Introduce the tree 2 minutes

   Deliver the opening script. State whether the tree captures upfront expectations or closing commitments. Point out the tree visual. State clearly that each note should contain one concise thought written in readable print.

2. Write individual notes 3 minutes

   Participants work silently at their seats. Each person writes 1 to 3 notes identifying a goal or takeaway. Provide a neutral example: 'Learn two methods for managing agenda drift.' Anyone who prefers not to write publicly may keep notes at their desk.

3. Post to branches 3 minutes

   Invite participants to walk up and place their notes on the branches of the tree. Let people step back to read what others have posted. If someone prefers not to walk up, they can pass notes to a neighbour or facilitator.

4. Review and cluster themes 7 minutes

   The facilitator reads out 6 to 8 representative notes from the tree. Group similar items into common branches or themes. Clarify ambiguous notes with the room without demanding personal ownership. Note which goals match the agenda or which commitments wrap up the day.

Debrief questions

• Looking across these branches, which common themes stand out most for our group?
• Which posted items are directly within our control to practice or apply today?
• What is one concrete step you will take based on what is visible on this tree?

Finished output: A populated flipchart tree displaying group objectives or action commitments that remains posted for reference.

Remote

Display a virtual whiteboard showing an image of a bare tree. Give participants 3 minutes to post digital sticky notes on the branches. Facilitator reads and clusters notes aloud during the review step.

Hybrid

Maintain a physical tree on camera and mirror it on a shared digital whiteboard. Assign a digital buddy or co-facilitator to transcribe remote notes onto physical stickies for the room, while reading physical notes aloud for remote viewers.

Access and participation choices

• Offer options to write, dictate to a peer, or type into a digital board.
• Participants may post anonymously, decline to post, or keep their notes private in their workbook.

If the session gets stuck

Participants write tiny paragraphs that cannot be read from two feet away.

Provide medium-point markers instead of ballpoint pens and ask for maximum six words per sticky note.

Notes describe out-of-scope topics that the training cannot address.

Acknowledge the note during review, clarify session boundaries neutrally, and record out-of-scope items on a separate 'future learning' list.

Terms used here

• Success Tree: A simple graphic metaphor using a drawn tree to display individual ideas, goals, or action commitments as leaves on branches.