A Fishbowl Discussion is a group discussion used during team workshops and training sessions.
Our experts tell us that the Fishbowl Technique allows 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. In contrast, 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 conflict resolution to facilitate dialogue between disputing parties.
The technique was later adopted in coaching, education, and training to foster inclusive discussions and active listening.
Key features of a Fishbowl Discussion:
- A small inner circle of 4-6 people engages in an open discussion.
- The outer circle of participants silently observes the inner debate.
- Roles can rotate, allowing different people to join the inner debate.
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 were arranged in an outer circle for the remaining participants.
- A facilitator will 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 the outer circle to listen without interruption.
- After 10-15 minutes, pause the discussion and ask if anyone from the outer circle wants to switch places with someone in the 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 encourage 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.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
