Identify and categorize the positives, negatives and opportunities
Our rose, thorn, bud & affinity clusters template is a dynamic tool that transforms team brainstorming into a structured and engaging process. This approach allows teams to explore the "roses" that represent the positive elements and successes, the "thorns" that highlight challenges and obstacles, and the "buds" that signify opportunities for growth and innovation.
Using the rose, thorn, bud template turns strategic planning into an exciting adventure where collaboration reigns supreme. As team members toss their ideas into the mix, they build on each other’s contributions, turning obstacles into stepping stones for innovation. This interactive session fosters a sense of camaraderie, as everyone works together to identify priorities and chart a course toward success.
The rose, thorn, bud & affinity clusters template helps you:
Facilitate discussions: It provides a clear framework for team conversations, making it easier to explore different aspects of a project or situation.
Identify strengths: By focusing on "roses," you can highlight positive elements and successes, fostering a positive atmosphere.
Acknowledge challenges: The "thorns" section allows teams to openly discuss obstacles or concerns, promoting transparency and problem-solving.
How to use the rose, thorn, bud & affinity clusters template
Step 1: Introduce the template
Explain each component in detail to your team:
Roses: Positive aspects or successes.
Thorns: Challenges or obstacles.
Buds: Opportunities for growth or new ideas.
Step 2: Give time for quiet reflection
Give participants time to think and write down their thoughts for each category on sticky notes or in a digital format. Use sticky notes and timers for this step.
Step 3: Collect insights
According to a Mural report, 62% of knowledge workers haven’t had collaboration training, so this is a great time to iInvite team members to share their roses, thorns, and buds, placing their notes on the board in the respective sections.
Step 4: Affinity clustering
As insights are shared, start grouping similar notes together. Encourage discussion to clarify why certain ideas belong together. Once grouped, assign a name or theme to each cluster for clarity.
Step 5: Identify key themes
Look for overarching patterns and trends in the clusters. Discuss as a team which themes are most critical. Use dot voting to prioritize the clusters or insights that resonate most with the team.
Step 6: Create an action plan
Did you know 31% of teams miss their goals because there isn’t clear communication and teamwork? For top priorities, brainstorm specific actions to address challenges and leverage opportunities. Assign responsibilities and set timelines.
Tips for using the rose, thorn, bud & affinity clusters template for strategic planning
Visualization is key: Keep everything visible, whether on a whiteboard like Mural, wall, or digital tool. This visual aspect helps everyone stay engaged and facilitates better discussions.
Get reflective: After identifying themes and clusters, take a moment to reflect as a group. Discuss what the insights mean for your strategic goals.
Follow up with your team: Plan regular check-ins to revisit the insights and action items. This keeps the momentum going and allows for adjustments based on new information or changes.
Use our features to make your rose, thorn, bud & affinity clusters template even more useful
Asynchronous collaboration
Innovate and collaborate effectively together without booking time on calendars.
Real-time collaboration
Add more productivity and engagement to meetings and calls with features to guide collaboration.
Commenting
Add comments and tag collaborators for smooth asynchronous communication.
Summon collaborators
Easily direct everyone’s attention to a specific part of the mural — no screen sharing required.
Sticky notes & text
Add ideas, action items, and more as a sticky note or text box — then change the colors and cluster to identify patterns and new solutions.
Celebrate & reactions
Celebrate wins together with a confetti drop, or give real-time feedback with reaction emojis.
How do I facilitate a rose, thorn, bud brainstorming session?
How can I use affinity clusters to organize team insights?
How can affinity clustering help in strategic planning?
What are the benefits of using the rose, thorn, bud template for team brainstorming?
Mural is the only platform that offers both a shared workspace and training on the LUMA System™, a practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply.
