open · Icebreaker, Team Building · 15–30 min · 2-40 people · low energy
Stinky Fish
The Stinky Fish method is a quick activity used at the beginning of a program to surface participants' anxieties and uncertainties related to the program's theme, fostering openness and building trust within the group. By acknowledging and sharing these 'stinky fish' (fears), participants can relate to each other and identify areas for growth.
When to use Stinky Fish
Use this method at the start of a workshop or program when you want to quickly create a safe space for participants to share their concerns and anxieties, setting the stage for more open and honest discussions later on.
What it solves
Hesitancy to voice concerns, Lack of psychological safety, Hidden anxieties hindering progress
How to run Stinky Fish, step by step
- Introduce the 'Stinky Fish' concept and its purpose: to explore and share worries about the future. Explain the metaphor: anxieties worsen if unaddressed. (3 minutes)
- Distribute the 'Stinky Fish' template (or ask participants to draw a fish). Give participants 5 minutes to write down their personal 'stinky fish' related to the program's context, using a few words or a phrase.
- Invite participants to share their 'stinky fish' with the group, one at a time, for 30-60 seconds each, in a circle. (10-15 minutes)
- Wrap up by acknowledging the normalcy of uncertainty and worry. Emphasize that 'putting fish on the table' is a crucial first step. (2 minutes)
Materials needed
- Stinky Fish template (or paper for drawing)
- Pens
- Timer
- Optional: Wall space for displaying the fish
Facilitator tips
- Emphasize that there are no wrong answers and encourage vulnerability.
- If the group is large, consider breaking into smaller groups for sharing.
- Optionally, display the 'stinky fish' as a gallery and revisit them later in the program.
Common pitfalls
- Participants being hesitant to share: Create a safe and supportive environment by sharing your own 'stinky fish' first.
- Focusing too much on the negative: Remind participants that acknowledging fears is the first step to overcoming them.
Variations
- Use different metaphors instead of 'stinky fish,' such as 'elephants in the room' or 'dragons to slay'.
- Instead of individual sharing, have participants post their 'stinky fish' anonymously and then discuss them as a group.
Running it online or hybrid
For online sessions, utilize a shared whiteboard tool where participants can create and share their 'stinky fish' visually using drawings, images, or sticky notes. Encourage participants to navigate to the speaker's fish during sharing.
What it produces
A collection of 'stinky fish' (written or visual representations of fears and anxieties)
Origin
Adapted from Hyper Island — source
Build a session around Stinky Fish
METODIC places Stinky Fish inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.