University of Wisconsin–Madison

Bragitude

What is a Bragitude? It is a combination of celebration and gratitude. It is a reminder — particularly as we are completing our team goals — to take time and name our wins and how we each helped us get there. It is a wonderful way for a team to adjourn because it reinforces positive reflection, giving and receiving feedback, and team celebration.

Get started

Preparing for This Activity

  • Anticipated Duration: 15–20 minutes
  • Preparation Level: Low
  • Suitable for: In person and remote meetings
  • Materials:
    • Note cards or sticky notes (optional)
    • Whiteboard or shared document (for virtual gathering)

Roadmap

Frame the conversation by explaining:

  • Bragitude is about acknowledging your own wins (Brag) and appreciating others (Gratitude).
  • As we close our work together, let’s recognize and appreciate all that led to our collective success.

Instructions

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

1. Individual Reflection

  • You could provide notecards, index cards, or sticky notes. What the Bragitude is written on is not as important as what is written and shared.
  • Ask each team member to write down:
    • One thing they are proud of (Brag): A personal achievement or win during the project.
    • One person(s) they are grateful for (Gratitude): Individual(s) who supported them or offered something to help them get the win.
  • Offer the questions below to help them consider who is connected to their gratitude.
    • Who did you collaborate with?
    • Who gave you advice, helpful information, or referrals to resources?
    • Who gave a helpful perspective or asked the right questions?
    • Whose contribution made a difference, even if it was behind the scenes?

2. Share-out

There are multiple options for the share-out.

  • Sharing Circle
    • Invite everyone to go around and share their Bragitude aloud.
    • Another option is to ask each person to share one Brag and share their Gratitude for a person later in private.
    • Encourage active listening and positive reinforcement (applause, thumbs up, etc.).
    • Consider using a timer and asking folks to take no more than one minute to share.
  • One-on-one Bragitude
    • Team members share their Bragitude directly with the person they write about.
    • This can be done:
      • In person: Give person the card and share in a pair.
      • If done in person, coach receivers to respond only with: “Thank you for letting me know how I supported you.”
      • This keeps the focus on appreciation rather than deflection.
      • Later: Give the card to the person for reading privately.
  • Snowball Bragitude
    • Write Brag and Gratitude for individual(s) on paper.
    • Crunch into a snowball and toss into a designated spot (not at people!).
    • Facilitator reads a few aloud or posts them on a Bragitude Wall (physical or virtual) for visibility and celebration.
  • Emoji or photo fun
    • Add an emoji or photo to your Bragitude to make it creative and memorable.
    • Works well for virtual teams using chat or whiteboards.

Closing Thoughts

Consider the following facilitation tips as you guide this exercise.

  • Structure the Sharing: Use a format that ensures equal time for every participant to share.
    • “Everyone will have a chance to share their Bragitude.”
  • Encourage Inclusive Gratitude: Encourage team members to spread their gratitude beyond their closest collaborators.
    • “Think of someone whose contribution mattered, even if it wasn’t always visible or direct.”
  • Add a Team Gratitude Round: As a final round, ask:
    • “What is one thing you have appreciated about this team experience?”
  • Watch for gaps: If you notice someone on the team might have been missed, you can highlight their contribution during your share-out or wrap-up.
    • Example: “I also want to recognize the contributions of (Name) for their role in…”

Attribution

Ruchika T. Malhotra (2025). Success. Viking.

Did you find what you need?