A Fishbowl Discussion is a form of group discussion that can be used during team workshops and training sessions.
Our experts tell us that a Fishbowl Technique provides a way for teams to have an open dialogue and share perspectives on a topic.
What is a Fishbowl Discussion?
A Fishbowl Conversation involves a small group of people sitting in a circle and having an open conversation, while the rest of the participants sit around them and observe the discussion.
The name comes from the setup which resembles a fishbowl.
Background on Fishbowl Discussions
Fishbowl Discussions originated in the field of conflict resolution as a method to facilitate dialogue between disputing parties.
The technique was later adopted in education and training to foster inclusive discussions and active listening.
Key features of a Fishbowl Discussion:
- Small inner circle of 4-6 people engage in an open discussion.
- Outer circle of participants silently observe the inner discussion.
- Roles can rotate, allowing different people to join the inner discussion.
Using a Fishbowl Discussion for Team Workshops
Fishbowl Discussions can be a powerful technique in team development workshops. Benefits include:
- Promotes active listening and empathy.
- Surfaces different perspectives in a non-confrontational way.
- Allows quieter team members to observe before joining the discussion.
- Provides a structured approach for handling complex or controversial topics.
Objectives
Typical objectives for a Fishbowl activity during a team workshop:
- Foster open communication and sharing of opinions.
- Increase understanding of different viewpoints on a team issue.
- Encourage reflective dialogue and deep listening.
- Build conflict resolution skills.
Resources Required
To conduct a Fishbowl Discussion, you need:
- A circle of chairs for the inner group.
- Chairs arranged in an outer circle for remaining participants.
- A facilitator to introduce and manage the process.
- A topic or question to guide the discussion.
Guidelines
Below are step-by-step guidelines for running a Fishbowl Discussion:
- Introduce the purpose and process to participants.
- Pose an open-ended question or topic to discuss.
- Ask for volunteers to form the inner circle. 4-6 people is ideal.
- Begin the discussion in the inner circle. Remind outer circle to listen without interruption.
- After 10-15 minutes, pause discussion and ask if anyone from outer circle wants to switch places with someone in inner circle.
- Rotate participants and resume discussion, repeating this process as desired.
- Debrief as a large group when finished. Invite reflections and key insights.
Conclusion
A Fishbowl Discussion is a flexible technique to foster candid dialogue, active listening, and perspective-taking on a team.
Activity based approaches encourages participation from all team members while maintaining a thoughtful and respectful tone.
Fishbowl Discussions can lead to greater understanding, stronger relationships, and improved communication on a team.
