The 5 A’s: Building Growth and Connection in Our Team
In the closing section of LáLew’s weekly team meeting, we take the time to share our “five A’s” with one another. This practice, adopted from ROC the Future Alliance—a community-wide coalition working to improve cradle-to-career outcomes—encourages us to express our Apologies, Affirmations, Acknowledgements, Ah-ha’s, and Acceptances. By engaging in this exercise, our team members can share their honest thoughts, connect with one another, feel valued, learn something new and more.
Each of the five A’s has a different purpose for our team. Below we share how we interpret each A and what the time allows our team members to do.
The Five A’s
Apologies: We are all humans, and we make mistakes. Whether it’s forgetting to respond to an email or joining a meeting late, we understand that errors are a part of life. This A allows team members a space to apologize however they see fit.
Affirmations: Self-doubt is a completely normal emotion. We recognize that, and this A gives team members a chance to affirm one another and express positivity towards a person or their work.
Acknowledgments: Feeling seen is an important part of being a member of a team. With this A, team members can acknowledge others for their work, their assistance, their kindness, etc. As a broad category, acknowledgments can be a shout-out in any form.
Ah-ha’s: Whether in a team setting or during individual work, this is a chance to share something that “clicked” for you this week. Those lightbulb moments where some dots finally connect can be a satisfying feeling, and team members can share the process of their Ah-ha, potentially helping others working through a similar journey.
Acceptances: Sometimes we need to accept non-closure. This A allows team members to share something they have accepted without resolution and gain insight from our members’ diverse backgrounds.
In an effort to foster an understanding, communicative environment, LáLew continues to find opportunities to show that we care about the status, growth, and lives of our team members. The five A’s do just that, and we cherish this weekly space where we grow as a team and firm while supporting one another.
