Establish Your Team Values
A collaborative staff activity that gets everyone on the same page from day one.
30–45 min
One Word Values Activity
A goal-setting template and activity that helps your staff start the year with focus and intention.
Alissa Christensen
A 20-minute staff activity where every educator chooses a single word to guide their mindset and focus for the year. Simple to run, easy to remember, and surprisingly meaningful when staff share the words they chose and why.
Why try it
Big goals can feel overwhelming. One word keeps things simple. Whether it's growth, balance, confidence, or connection, a single word can serve as a clear focus and reminder throughout the year while creating opportunities for staff to learn more about one another.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Focus Finder reflection sheets (one per person)
One Word idea list (printed or projected)
Index cards or printed word card templates
Instructions
1
Introduce the activity
Explain that each staff member will choose one word to serve as a focus, reminder, or theme for the months ahead. Share your own word as an example if you'd like.
2
Complete the Reflection Sheet
Use the included Focus Finder printable to help staff think about their goals, priorities, and what they want more of this year. Allow a few quiet minutes for reflection.
3
Choose your word
Invite staff to select one word that feels meaningful to them. They can choose from the included word bank or create their own.
4
Write it down
Have staff record their word on one of the included templates, an index card, sticky note, or another display format.
5
Share with the group
Invite volunteers to share their word and what it represents. Participation should be optional.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Staff Word Wall
Display everyone's word in the staff lounge or workroom. Seeing each other's words naturally sparks conversations, connections, and encouragement throughout the year.
Guess That Word
Mix up the word cards and challenge staff to match each word to the right person. It's a simple activity that helps staff learn more about one another and reconnect to their shared goals.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Go first
Share your own word before asking staff to choose theirs. It sets the tone immediately and makes participation feel safe.
Leader Tip #2
Write them down
Use the Staff Word Tracker to capture each person's word so you can revisit them throughout the year.
Leader Tip #3
Keep the conversation going
Reference staff words during check-ins, celebrations, or mid-year reflections. A quick "Hey, how's steady showing up for you?" builds real trust.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Alpaca Pulse Check-In
Turn insights into action
With just three simple questions, Alpaca's Pulse Check-In helps school leaders listen to their teams and act where support is needed most.
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