The document describes an exercise called the "pink elephant exercise" which was created by organizational theorist Chris Argyris. Participants are asked to make three confidential lists: issues they are happy to discuss about their team, issues they will never discuss, and issues they may discuss under certain circumstances. Teams then have 20 minutes to discuss how to move barriers between the lists, such as changing circumstances so more issues can be discussed. The goal is to identify and potentially address previously undiscussable issues that have hindered the team.

1. Discussing Undiscussibles* A pink elephant exercise Concept originated with Chris Argyris,organizational theorist

2. Create three lists on a sheet of paper; the content of the lists these will remain confidential – you will not be asked to share All the group process issues that you are happy to talk about in your team All the group process issues that you will NEVER talk about in your team All the group process issues that you might talk about under certain circumstances

3. Task: Identify what would have to be done to move the barrier separating “happy” to discuss from “might” discuss All the group process issues that you are happy to talk about in your team All the group process issues that you will NEVER talk about in your team All the group process issues that you might talk about under certain circumstances How can your team successfully change the circumstances affecting this barrier? You have 20 minutes to talk about this in your team.

4. Task: Identify what would have to be done to move the barrier separating “might” to discuss from “NEVER” discuss All the group process issues that you are happy to talk about in your team All the group process issues that you will NEVER talk about in your team All the group process issues that you might talk about under certain circumstances How can your team successfully change the circumstances affecting this barrier? You have 20 minutes to talk about this in your team.

5. Are you willing to work, as a team to remove some of these barriers today? If so, you can address the pink elephants that have been holding you back as a team. However, you should not force members to engage when they are not ready to do so.