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Thunderbolt Thinking Technique:
THE F.I.S.H.™
What is it? This technique gives you a way to control inappropriate, negative
input. The F.I.S.H. eats Fatally Inappropriate Slimy Hits.
Why is it important? The purpose of The F.I.S.H. is to convey the message, in a non-threatening
way, that the discussion currently underway is a positive one whose purpose is to consider
many possibilities. It allows every voice in the room to be heard and accepted. This is
extremely important for groups that need to enhance their creative thinking abilities.
How do I do it?
You will need a fish--any kind will do
(preferably not a real one--dead or alive!). Plastic or stuffed toys work well. Place it
on the table at the beginning of the next meeting.
As you open the meeting, establish ground
rules and communicate to the group that there will be a time for generating ideas and a
time for evaluating them. Be sure to cover this thoroughly, and post the ground rules if
necessary.
Have the group come identify negative
remarks that typically stop the free flow of ideas. Throw out an example or two if
necessary--e.g., "It's not in the budget" or "We have tried that before and
it didn't work."
Write down and post these "Attack
Thoughts" in the room, where they will remind everyone NOT to use them.
If a negative reaction surfaces, immediately
pass The F.I.S.H. to the person who made the remark and remind that person that the
meeting is in "positive" mode. Have the person hold onto The F.I.S.H., and give
him or her permission to pass it to the next person who "forgets" the ground
rules.
What are some ways to use this
TNT? Any meeting that requires positive, fresh thinking
should include The F.I.S.H. It is especially useful when the group includes participants
from all levels of the organization because it ensures that everyone's ideas are voiced.
It is always truly okay to flip The F.I.S.H. to the boss!
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