Hopes and Fears

When to use

At any moment that feels like the beginning of thinks like a project, new initiative, sprint, quarter, iteration, cycle, or any other commitment of work

“Hopes” reveal your teams’ expectations about what can be accomplished.

“Fears” reveal their doubts about making an investment to work together.

Capture hopes and fears

Each team member write one hope or fear per sticky note, and apply it to the appropriate area of the map.

Play back, discuss, synthesize

Identify any emerging themes. What stands out? What hopes or fears do you share? Is there a sensitive topic or issue that’s worth bringing into the open for discussion?

Let it persist

Keep the artifact posted where team members can see it. Place stars on hopes that are realized, and remove fears that melt away.