Stinky Fish Activity Guide

You know those nagging, unspoken worries that seem to hang in the air during team meetings? That's the 'stinky fish'. Just like a fish left in a room, the longer these hidden issues are ignored, the more they fester, eroding trust and blocking genuine collaboration. These unaddressed concerns can be the single biggest obstacle to a team's progress and innovation.

The 'Stinky Fish' exercise provides a simple, visual tool to help you bring these issues out into the open in a safe, non-confrontational way. The exercise itself is a facilitated activity where participants are invited to visualize their individual fears and worries as a 'stinky fish'. By naming these hidden concerns, teams can tackle the root causes of tension and anxiety, paving the way for a healthier, more transparent culture.

This activity is perfect for kick-starting a new project, and it's an excellent way to boost psychological safety within your team. Our guide provides everything you need to facilitate this powerful exercise, including the worksheet and a step-by-step facilitation guide.