Rose, Thorn, Bud

Rose, Thorn, Bud is a simple reflection tool that helps teams identify what’s working, what’s challenging, and where there’s potential.

By labeling observations as roses (positives), thorns (negatives), and buds (opportunities), teams can quickly make sense of complex experiences or ideas.

It prompts teams to ask:

• What’s going well?
• What’s not working or causing friction?
• What new ideas, possibilities, or questions are emerging?

This tool supports open reflection, encourages dialogue, and surfaces insights that might otherwise stay hidden. Other variations include:

• Start, Stop, Continue
• Sails, Anchors, Winds
• Mad, Glad, Sad
• I like, I wish, What if

Best Practices

Be specific. Go beyond “it was good” and call out exactly what worked or didn’t.

Include all voices. Make space for everyone’s perspective, especially quieter or less represented ones.

Balance the three. Don’t focus only on roses or thorns; buds can be powerful springboards.

Make it quick. This tool works well as a fast check- in or debrief.

Use visuals. Color-coded sticky notes (e.g., pink, blue, green) or simple icons can make patterns stand out.

Basic Steps

1. Choose a topic or experience. Reflect on a meeting, project, event, idea, or feedback session.

2. Capture roses. What went well? What’s strong, successful, or appreciated?

3. Capture thorns. What was difficulty, confusing, or didn’t land well?

4. Capture buds. What’s emerging? Any new ideas, hopes, or things to explore further?

5. Discuss and group. Cluster similar items, identify themes, and use the insights to inform next steps.

Benefits

• Easy to learn, quick to use
• Encourages balanced and honest reflection
• Brings out both positives and possibilities
• Surfaces pain points without blame
• Help teams pause, process and move forward