A Guide to Using a Prompted Journal for Team Building

Quick Answer

Use a prompted journal for team building by choosing a fun, low-pressure prompt book, setting aside regular time, and encouraging sharing without forcing it. Brass Monkey's prompted journals offer playful prompts that spark conversation and creativity, making them perfect for workplace bonding.

Team building doesn't have to mean trust falls or awkward icebreakers. A prompted journal can turn ordinary meetings into moments of genuine connection, laughter, and insight. By giving your team a shared journaling activity, you create a low-stakes way for colleagues to share thoughts, learn about each other, and build trust.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to use a prompted journal for team building, from choosing the right journal to making it a sustainable habit. You'll also discover specific Brass Monkey products that fit perfectly into your team-building routine.

Why a Prompted Journal Works for Teams

A prompted journal provides structure without pressure. Instead of staring at a blank page, team members respond to fun, thought-provoking prompts that are easy to answer. This lowers the barrier to participation and helps introverts feel comfortable sharing.

Journaling together also encourages active listening and empathy. When team members read each other's entries, they gain insights into different perspectives, which can improve collaboration and reduce misunderstandings. Plus, it's a creative team activity that breaks the monotony of work.

For remote or hybrid teams, a prompted journal can be a tangible way to connect. Pass a physical journal around or use a shared digital document. The key is consistency and a non-judgmental atmosphere.

• Choose prompts that are relevant but not too personal.
• Set a regular time, like a weekly team meeting or a monthly virtual coffee.
• Encourage voluntary sharing—never force anyone to read aloud.

Choosing the Right Prompted Journal

Not all prompted journals are created equal. For team building, look for prompts that are lighthearted, open-ended, and adaptable. Avoid journals that focus on deep personal trauma or overly specific life events that might make some team members uncomfortable.

Brass Monkey offers prompted journals that are playful and universally relatable. For example, 'A Million Things to Do Before You Die Prompted Journal' is filled with adventurous and fun prompts that spark conversation about dreams and experiences. It's perfect for getting to know your teammates' bucket lists and hidden passions.

Consider the format too. A journal that's easy to pass around or tear out pages works well for groups. The same journal can be used for individual reflection followed by group sharing.

• Look for prompts that are fun, not overly serious.
• Check the size—small journals are easy to carry to meetings.
• Think about the group's sense of humor and comfort level.

Setting Up Your Team Journaling Activity

Start by introducing the concept to your team. Explain that it's a low-pressure activity meant to build connections, not to evaluate writing skills. Set ground rules: no judgment, no interruptions, and confidentiality if needed.

Decide on a format. You can have one shared journal that rotates among team members, or give everyone their own journal to write in during a designated time. For remote teams, a shared digital document or a physical journal mailed around can work.

Choose a prompt for each session. You can pick from the journal or create your own related to work or team goals. The key is to make it relevant and engaging.

• Start with an easy, fun prompt to break the ice.
• Set a time limit, like 10 minutes, for writing.
• Have a facilitator to keep the session on track.

Facilitating Sharing and Discussion

After writing time, invite volunteers to share their responses. Start with the facilitator or a confident team member to model vulnerability. Keep the tone positive and supportive.

Use the prompts as a springboard for deeper conversation. For example, if someone writes about wanting to skydive, ask follow-up questions about adventure or risk-taking. This helps team members find common ground and appreciate differences.

Remember that not everyone will want to share, and that's okay. The act of writing itself can be valuable. Over time, as trust builds, more people will open up.

• Praise sharing with specific feedback, not generic 'great job.'
• Avoid making anyone feel pressured to share.
• Use the discussion to identify shared interests or strengths.

Making It a Sustainable Team Building Habit

The benefits of team journaling compound over time. To make it a habit, integrate it into your regular schedule. For example, dedicate the first 15 minutes of your monthly team meeting to journaling and sharing.

Rotate the responsibility of choosing prompts or facilitating. This gives team members ownership and keeps the activity fresh. You can also theme sessions around holidays, project milestones, or personal achievements.

Celebrate milestones, like completing a full journal. You could have a small ceremony or simply acknowledge the team's commitment. This reinforces the value of the activity.

• Put journaling on the official meeting agenda.
• Create a shared space (physical or digital) for journal entries.
• Ask for feedback after a few sessions to adjust the format.

Step-by-Step to Launch Your Team Journaling Activity

1. Select Your Journal: Pick a prompted journal that matches your team's vibe. For a fun, adventurous tone, choose 'A Million Things to Do Before You Die Prompted Journal.' For parents, consider 'Dumb Things My Kid Said Tiny Diary.' Checkpoint: Ensure the prompts are appropriate and engaging for your specific team members.
2. Introduce the Activity: Explain the purpose: to build connections and have fun. Set ground rules for respect and confidentiality. Emphasize that participation is voluntary. Common mistake: Forcing participation can create resistance. Make it opt-in.
3. Schedule Regular Sessions: Decide on a frequency (e.g., weekly or monthly) and a time slot. Add it to your team calendar to ensure it happens. Checkpoint: Consistency is key. Start with a trial period of one month.
4. Facilitate Sharing: After writing, invite volunteers to share. Use prompts to guide discussion. Keep the tone supportive and non-judgmental. Common mistake: Letting one person dominate. Encourage everyone to speak, but don't pressure.
5. Gather Feedback and Adapt: After a few sessions, ask your team what's working and what isn't. Adjust the prompts, format, or frequency accordingly. Checkpoint: The activity should feel like a benefit, not a chore.

Brass Monkey Products for Team Journaling

• A Million Things to Do Before You Die Prompted Journal: Think of it as an entertaining (and adventurous) to-do list of sorts. Sure, this prompted journal by Brass Monkey is filled to the brim with countless things to accomplish...but instead of crap like cleaning out the gutters, you’ll only find fun (and crazy) things that everyone should do before they turn into some boring old person. This journal is ideal for team building because it sparks conversations about dreams and experiences. Use it to discover what your teammates are passionate about, which can strengthen bonds and reveal shared interests.
• Dumb Things My Kid Said Tiny Diary: Kids say the darndest (and dumbest) things—and now you have the perfect place to record every last one of them. This ridiculously small diary (just 2.75” x 3.75”) is made to capture all those hilarious, weird, and downright confusing quotes your little genius blurts out. Perfect for teams with parents, this diary offers a lighthearted prompt to share funny parenting moments. It's a great icebreaker that brings laughter and relatability to the group.

Using a prompted journal for team building is a simple yet powerful way to foster connection and creativity in the workplace. By following these steps and choosing the right journal, you can create a team-building activity that your colleagues will actually look forward to. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your team grow closer one prompt at a time.