18F

18F - Hopes And Fears

Hopes and Fears surfaces team expectations and concerns. Use it at project kickoff or during major transitions. Participants write down their hopes (desired outcomes) and fears (potential obstacles) on cards. Then, they share with the group. This exercise creates psychological safety by legitimizing concerns and building a shared vision. We identify common themes, address fears, and build on shared hopes. The team aligns expectations and creates a reference point for the project. Teams document aspirations and acknowledge risks to inform planning.

Duration
30 mins
Group Size
4-12
Category
18F
Difficulty
Easy
Share individual hopes and fears. Identify common themes. Build team empathy. Establish open communication.
Documented hopes and fears. Shared understanding of stakeholder emotions. Concerns addressed in planning.
Set the right tone upfront. This is about honesty. Go first if the group seems hesitant. Don't let people dismiss fears. All concerns are valid. Look for patterns. Address the "elephant in the room" directly. Keep shares brief. Photograph the final board for later. Follow up on major themes in your plan. It’s okay if some team members are reluctant to share initially; encourage them to observe and contribute when they feel comfortable.

  1. Explain the purpose: understand shared excitement and concerns.

  2. Give everyone 2 minutes to write hopes on sticky notes (one per note).

  3. Go around the room. Each person posts their hope and explains it briefly (30 seconds max).

  4. Capture similar themes.

  5. Repeat the process with fears.

  6. Group related items together.

  7. Discuss patterns as a team. Which hopes are shared? Which fears need addressing?

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

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  • Sticky notes (2 colors)

  • Thick markers

  • Wall space or large poster

Unlock Materials Required

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18F Hopes and Fears Method
Official 18F guide for facilitating hopes and fears exercises.
Hopes & Fears Template - Facilitator School
Free downloadable template with comprehensive facilitation guide

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