History Map

GUIDELINES: Use this exercise at the end of a project/phase or program as a way to reinforce learnings, celebrate highlights and create closure.

Step 1

Roll out a long piece of paper (5-10 meters) on the floor or on a wall. Draw a timeline representing the period of a project or team experience. Include months and a couple of key events such as highlights and lowlights. If the project is very long - consider including the last 3-6 months.

Create a timeline on your virtual whiteboard (Miro or Mural) and draw from the instructions above. Tip: Provide a short demo video, or send simple instructions ahead of time, if needed, for the virtual whiteboard before your workshop/meeting. You can find plenty of instructional text and video online.

Step 2

Have participants capture their experiences. They could include their highlights, lowlights, learnings, challenges, successes, and anything else that was important to them. Give them enough time (15-30 min) to capture their top experiences and place them on the timeline.  A creative alternative choice for a face-to-face session is to follow the same guidelines but using magazine cut-outs or drawing rather than use sticky notes.

Facilitator: Pre-create virtual sticky notes, emojis, etc. for people to capture their experiences and place onto the virtual whiteboard. Consider putting on (mellow) music while the participants work.

Step 3

After the map has been created, ask participants to share their top (1-3) Highs and Lows. The number of Highs/Lows they share is up to the facilitator. It depends on the group size and the time you have. Nominate a time-keeper if you choose.

Participants use a virtual candle or sticky note.

Step 4

Optional Final Step. Have the participants reflect individually, in silence, on the experiences they have just shared and heard and chose the most important moment for them. Give about 2-3 minutes for this step. Then, one-by-one, participants place a sticky note or a candle (a tea light) on the moment that has been the most important to them and have them briefly describe why. Continue until all participants have placed a candle and shared.

Participants use a virtual candle or sticky note.