Spark Inclusion: 3 Quick Exercises to Build a Cohesive Team

Robin Sweet-Ransom
Sep 29, 2025
2 min read

Ever sat through a team meeting where the same two people do all the talking while everyone else stays silent? That is more than awkward. It is expensive.

When inclusion is missing, creativity stalls, communication breaks down, and conflict festers. Inclusion is not a feel-good option. It is a business strategy.

Teams that practice inclusion see:

Better communication that saves time and money
Fresh, innovative solutions to old problems
Higher employee engagement and lower turnover
Fewer conflicts that derail progress

Three Quick Exercises to Build Inclusion

1. Story Circles: Invite each person to share a brief work-related story. Active listening only. Wrap up with a group reflection on common themes.

Result: Teammates begin to see each other as whole people, not just job titles.

2. Cultural Show-and-Tell: Culture is not always about food, music, or holidays. It can be about faith, family traditions, or experiences that shaped how you see the world.

Ask team members to share something that has influenced how they work or relate to others. Encourage respectful curiosity.

Result: Builds respect for different perspectives and reduces misunderstandings.

3. Team Values Workshop: Guide the team through brainstorming the top 3–5 values that matter most. Define them together and post them where everyone can see them.

Result: Shared values become the guardrails for decision-making and collaboration.

The SRD Advantage

These activities are simple, yet powerful. They enable teams to lean into discomfort, grow together, and get measurable results. Yet their full impact depends on skilled facilitation.

SRD workshops create a safe space where everyone feels respected, even during sensitive conversations.

Result: Everyone will walk away feeling "seen & heard".