Appreciation Wheel

Find the word for what you noticed.

A wheel of 200 human qualities, for appreciating someone specifically and sincerely. Start at a category, narrow to a trait, land on the word.

Download the A4 wheel (PDF) Use it with a group

One A4 page with all 200 qualities. Word list v0.1.1, a draft being tested in live sessions.

For example:

  1. CategoryResilience
  2. TraitGrounded
  3. WordUnflappable

Unflappable: Stays calm and steady when things go wrong.

How to use it

  1. Think of one moment

    Something the person actually did, recently.

  2. Find the quality

    Pick a category, then a trait, then the word that fits. Unflappable, not just calm.

  3. Say it with the why

    “I appreciate how unflappable you were when the launch slipped yesterday.”

All 200 qualities

Ten categories, forty traits and a hundred and fifty words, each with one line on what it looks like in a person. Open a category to browse it, or pick any quality to see it on the wheel.

Character Acts with honesty and integrity, whether or not anyone is watching.

  • Honest

    Tells the truth, even when it's uncomfortable.

    • Truthful: Says what is actually so, without shading the facts.
    • Sincere: Means what they say; their words match their feelings.
    • Forthright: Says what needs saying directly, without being asked.
    • Candid: Shares an honest view openly, even a difficult one.

  • Authentic

    Is the same person in every room.

    • Genuine: Is warm or interested for real, not for show.
    • Unpretentious: Stays down to earth and never puts on airs.
    • Real: Lets people see who they actually are, flaws included.
    • Transparent: Shows their reasoning and doesn't hide what's going on.

  • Reliable

    Does what they said they would, every time.

    • Dependable: Can be counted on to show up and follow through.
    • Trustworthy: Keeps confidences and deserves the trust placed in them.
    • Steadfast: Stays committed through difficulty without wavering.
    • Loyal: Stands by people and commitments, even when it costs them.

  • Principled

    Holds clear values and acts on them.

    • Ethical: Chooses the right thing over the easy thing.
    • Moral: Is guided by a strong sense of right and wrong.
    • Upright: Behaves honourably and decently in every dealing.
    • Scrupulous: Takes great care to be fair and correct in the details.
Wisdom Sees what matters and judges well, drawing on thought and experience.

  • Insightful

    Understands people and situations beneath the surface.

    • Perceptive: Notices what others miss: moods, details, undercurrents.
    • Intuitive: Senses what's going on before anyone spells it out.
    • Profound: Brings depth; their thoughts stay with people.
    • Discerning: Tells what matters from what doesn't.

  • Reflective

    Pauses to think things through, and learns from them.

    • Thoughtful: Thinks before acting, and thinks of others while doing it.
    • Contemplative: Is comfortable sitting quietly with a question.
    • Philosophical: Looks for the bigger meaning and takes setbacks in stride.
    • Introspective: Examines their own thoughts and motives honestly.

  • Diplomatic

    Handles delicate situations so everyone keeps their dignity.

    • Tactful: Says hard things in a way people can hear.
    • Considerate: Thinks about how their actions land on others.
    • Politic: Reads the room and chooses the wise way through it.
    • Gracious: Is kind and courteous, especially under strain.

  • Experienced

    Brings hard-won knowledge from having done it before.

    • Knowledgeable: Knows their subject well and shares it readily.
    • Seasoned: Has been through enough to stay steady and practical.
    • Worldly: Understands many kinds of people, places and ways of working.
    • Sagacious: Offers sound, far-sighted judgement.
Resilience Keeps going and recovers when things get hard.

  • Tenacious

    Holds on to a goal and doesn't let go.

    • Persistent: Keeps trying after setbacks, again and again.
    • Determined: Has decided it will happen, and acts like it.
    • Relentless: Keeps pushing forward without easing off.
    • Unwavering: Stays firm in purpose when others start to doubt.

  • Resourceful

    Finds a way with whatever is at hand.

    • Inventive: Comes up with clever new solutions on the spot.
    • Capable: Can be handed a problem and trusted to solve it.
    • Ingenious: Solves problems in clever, unexpected ways.
    • Scrappy: Makes things happen with very little, and never gives up.

  • Courageous

    Acts in spite of fear.

    • Brave: Faces danger, pain or difficulty head on.
    • Valiant: Shows courage in a hard, worthwhile struggle.
    • Audacious: Takes bold risks others wouldn't dare.
    • Intrepid: Heads into the unknown without hesitation.

  • Grounded

    Stays centred and steady, whatever is going on.

    • Stable: Is a steady, consistent presence others can lean on.
    • Stoic: Bears hardship quietly, without complaint.
    • Unflappable: Stays calm and steady when things go wrong.
Intellect Thinks clearly, learns eagerly and explains well.

  • Judicious

    Weighs things carefully and decides wisely.

    • Sensible: Takes the practical, level-headed view.
    • Prudent: Thinks ahead and avoids needless risks.
    • Logical: Reasons step by step to sound conclusions.
    • Rational: Lets evidence and reason lead, not impulse.

  • Articulate

    Puts thoughts into clear, well-chosen words.

    • Eloquent: Speaks or writes in a way that moves people.
    • Expressive: Conveys feelings and ideas vividly.
    • Fluent: Speaks easily, without searching for words.
    • Lucid: Makes complex things easy to understand.

  • Analytical

    Breaks problems down to understand how they work.

    • Observant: Notices details and patterns others overlook.
    • Inquiring: Asks the questions that get to the bottom of things.
    • Methodical: Works through things in a careful, orderly way.
    • Astute: Quickly sees what's really going on and how to act on it.

  • Curious

    Wants to know more and follows the question.

    • Inquisitive: Is always asking why, how and what if.
    • Studious: Enjoys learning and puts real effort into it.
    • Open-minded: Considers new ideas and other views fairly.
Humanity Cares about people and treats them with warmth and fairness.

  • Compassionate

    Feels for others and acts to ease their pain.

    • Empathetic: Understands how someone feels, from their side.
    • Sympathetic: Shows they care when someone is struggling.
    • Tenderhearted: Is gentle and easily moved by others' needs.
    • Kind: Is warm and good to people, in small moments and big ones.

  • Generous

    Gives time, credit and help freely.

    • Magnanimous: Is big-hearted, even toward rivals or after being wronged.
    • Giving: Offers what they have without keeping score.
    • Bountiful: Gives abundantly; there is always more to share.
    • Charitable: Assumes the best of people and helps those in need.

  • Tolerant

    Accepts differences without judgement.

    • Accepting: Welcomes people as they are.
    • Patient: Stays kind while waiting, or while explaining it again.
    • Forgiving: Lets go of wrongs and gives people a fresh start.
    • Inclusive: Makes sure everyone has a place and a voice.

  • Altruistic

    Puts others' good ahead of their own.

    • Selfless: Thinks of others first, without expecting anything back.
    • Philanthropic: Gives to improve other people's lives on a wider scale.
    • Humanitarian: Works to reduce suffering and improve lives.
Discipline Does the work carefully and consistently, and stays in control.

  • Meticulous

    Gets every detail right.

    • Systematic: Follows a clear method so nothing is missed.
    • Organized: Keeps things in order so work flows smoothly.
    • Precise: Is careful to be accurate and specific.
    • Exact: Leaves no room for error.

  • Diligent

    Works hard and carefully until the job is done.

    • Industrious: Is consistently hard-working and productive.
    • Thorough: Covers everything and leaves no loose ends.
    • Assiduous: Gives steady, careful attention over a long stretch.
    • Tireless: Keeps going with energy when others would flag.

  • Focused

    Gives full attention to what matters most.

    • Attentive: Pays close attention to people and details.
    • Concentrated: Brings intense, sustained attention to one task.
    • Dedicated: Commits fully to a cause, a craft or a group of people.
    • Undistracted: Stays on track despite noise and interruptions.

  • Self-Controlled

    Manages their impulses and emotions well.

    • Restrained: Holds back when holding back is wiser.
    • Temperate: Stays moderate and balanced, and avoids extremes.
    • Measured: Responds calmly and deliberately, never rashly.
Drive Brings energy, ambition and hope to moving things forward.

  • Ambitious

    Aims high and works to get there.

    • Aspiring: Reaches for what they could become.
    • Driven: Is powered by a strong inner push to achieve.
    • Goal-oriented: Keeps the goal in sight and works steadily toward it.
    • Enterprising: Spots opportunities and acts on them.

  • Enthusiastic

    Brings real energy and excitement to what they do.

    • Passionate: Cares intensely, and it shows in their work.
    • Zealous: Pursues a cause with fervent devotion.
    • Eager: Is keen and ready to jump in.
    • Vibrant: Is full of life and lifts the energy around them.

  • Proactive

    Acts before being asked and gets ahead of problems.

    • Initiating: Gets things started instead of waiting.
    • Self-starting: Begins and drives work without needing direction.
    • Assertive: States needs and views confidently and respectfully.
    • Dynamic: Brings the momentum that makes things happen.

  • Optimistic

    Expects good things and helps make them happen.

    • Hopeful: Believes things can get better, even when it's hard.
    • Positive: Looks for what's good and what's possible.
    • Sanguine: Stays cheerfully confident when the odds look poor.
Sociability Connects easily with people and makes time together better.

  • Amiable

    Is pleasant and easy to be around.

    • Friendly: Is welcoming and quick to put people at ease.
    • Affable: Is easygoing and pleasant to talk to.
    • Warm: Makes people feel cared for and at home.
    • Genial: Brings cheerful good nature to every exchange.

  • Engaging

    Draws people in and holds their interest.

    • Captivating: Holds people's attention completely.
    • Charming: Delights people with grace and personality.
    • Entertaining: Makes time with them fun and memorable.
    • Magnetic: Has a pull that makes people want to be near them.

  • Humorous

    Brings laughter and lightness.

    • Witty: Is quick and clever with words.
    • Amusing: Makes people smile and laugh.
    • Playful: Brings a sense of fun, even to serious things.
    • Jovial: Is hearty, cheerful and full of good humour.

  • Collaborative

    Works well with others toward a shared goal.

    • Cooperative: Works with others willingly and helpfully.
    • Team-oriented: Puts the team's success ahead of personal credit.
    • Synergistic: Combines strengths so the group achieves more together.
Agility Adjusts quickly and finds new ways forward.

  • Adaptable

    Adjusts well when plans or conditions change.

    • Versatile: Can turn their hand to many different things.
    • Flexible: Bends to fit new situations without breaking stride.
    • Malleable: Lets feedback and new ideas reshape their thinking.
    • Pliable: Gives way gracefully when a better idea comes along.

  • Innovative

    Brings new ideas and better ways of doing things.

    • Creative: Imagines and makes things that didn't exist before.
    • Original: Thinks in ways that are fresh and their own.
    • Pioneering: Is among the first to try a new way.
    • Trailblazing: Opens a path that others then follow.

  • Receptive

    Is open to ideas, feedback and people.

    • Open: Welcomes new ideas and different people.
    • Amenable: Is willing to go along with good suggestions.
    • Approachable: Is easy to go to with a question or a problem.

  • Spontaneous

    Acts in the moment with natural ease.

Leadership Gives people direction and helps them do their best.

  • Inspirational

    Makes people want to do and be more.

    • Motivating: Gives people reasons and energy to act.
    • Encouraging: Builds people's confidence to keep going.
    • Uplifting: Leaves people feeling lighter and more hopeful.
    • Charismatic: Has a presence that draws people to follow.

  • Decisive

    Makes clear decisions and moves things forward.

    • Resolute: Holds to a decision with firm purpose.
    • Firm: Holds the line calmly when it matters.
    • Authoritative: Speaks with knowledge that earns trust.
    • Commanding: Takes charge with a presence people respond to.

  • Visionary

    Sees where things could go and shows the way.

  • Empowering

    Helps others grow and take ownership.

    • Supportive: Backs people up and helps them succeed.
    • Delegating: Hands over real responsibility, and the trust that goes with it.
    • Trusting: Gives people room to act, believing they'll do well.

In a group

In an appreciation round, each person appreciates the person next to them. The wheel helps in the few seconds when the right word won't come.

How the first live sessions will try it

  1. Everyone gets their own printed sheet.
  2. Before the round, each person spends a minute with the sheet, then turns it face down.
  3. During the round, attention stays on the person, not the paper.

Want to try it with your team? Write to hello@appreciationwheel.com.