Stinky Fish

A short session to run before the project starts or when there are signs that a team member or multiple team members are not feeling motivated or are struggling. In general, it is ideal to avoid risks by focusing on sharing fears, anxieties, and uncertainties related to the concept, proposal, project, or client. The purpose is to create openness within a group or team. The "stinky fish" represents (is a metaphor for) that thing you carry around but don't like to talk about. However, the longer you carry around the "stinky fish," the stinkier it gets. By putting the "stinky fish" (fears and anxieties) on the table, participants begin to relate to each other and can identify clear areas for development, learning, and even an action plan.