From Uncertainty to Clarity: The Power of Hopes and Fears

I was recently asked by a client how to start a meeting with his team, which was completely flooded with change. They were reeling from the impact of new executive orders, and uncertainty filled the room. 

He wanted a way to structure the conversation so people could openly express their thoughts while also building resiliency for what was ahead.

I immediately thought of an activity I’ve used many times in similar situations — Hopes and Fears.

The first time I used this tool, I was amazed at how quickly it transformed the energy in the room. I remember watching people physically relax as they realized they weren’t alone in their worries. And when they started sharing their hopes, you could almost feel the shift – suddenly, the future felt a little more possible. That moment stuck with me, and I’ve used this activity ever since to help teams find clarity, connection, and confidence in times of uncertainty.

I most recently ran this activity for a client kicking off a big new initiative.

 The team needed space to acknowledge their worries but also set intentions for what they wanted to create. The Hopes and Fears structure gave them the perfect way to do both – helping them voice what felt like an internal swirl of emotions and make the intangible tangible.

I love this activity because it does three important things:

1. It normalizes fear. Change is hard, and uncertainty is uncomfortable. But when people realize they’re not alone in their concerns, it builds trust and connection.
2. It shifts the energy toward possibility. When people articulate what they hope for, they begin to move toward making it happen.
3. It helps teams align. Once everyone’s hopes and fears are on the table, you can address concerns, set expectations, and create a shared vision for moving forward.

And the best part? It only takes 20 to 30 minutes to see a real shift in the room.

How to Run the Hopes and Fears Activity:

Step 1: Individual Reflection
Give each person a stack of sticky notes (or use a virtual whiteboard like Miro or MURAL). Ask them to write down:

• One hope per sticky – What are they looking forward to? What do they want to accomplish, personally or professionally?
• One fear per sticky – What concerns them? What challenges do they see? What do they want to avoid?

Assure them that everyone will have a chance to share, and this is just to get their thoughts out.

Step 2: Group Sharing

• First, have each person share one or two fears and post them on a board (physical or virtual).
• Next, have each person share one or two hopes and post them in a separate area.

As people share, you’ll notice common themes emerge. Some concerns will be shared by many. Some hopes will spark excitement in the group.

Step 3: Reflection and Discussion

• What stands out?
• What patterns do we see?
• What’s one way we can move toward our hopes while addressing our fears?

This discussion can be short and organic or more structured, depending on your group’s needs. The key is that people feel heard and seen—and that the team can start from a place of understanding.

Why It Works

Every time I run this activity, I’m reminded why I love it. It’s not just about getting thoughts on a board – it’s about seeing that moment of relief when someone realizes they’re not alone. It’s about that spark when a group shifts from fear to possibility. It’s about creating connection, and to me, that’s the foundation of any great team.

So, next time you’re kicking off something big, try starting with Hopes and Fears – it just might be the reset your group needs.

Want to bring this kind of thoughtful, engaging facilitation to your next retreat, program kickoff, or team meeting? I’d love to help you create the space your team needs to navigate change, build connection, and move forward with clarity. Let’s talk! Connect with me at marcy@engagingplay.com.