Fishbowl is a Liberating Structure that facilitates open and inclusive discussions among a large group of participants. It allows for meaningful dialogue while addressing complex issues or exploring diverse perspectives. Here’s an elaboration on Fishbowl, including how to facilitate it, when to use it, its advantages, and expected outcomes.

How to Facilitate Fishbowl:

1. Preparation: The facilitator introduces the concept of Fishbowl and explains its purpose. Participants are informed that the goal is to engage in an open and inclusive discussion.
2. Inner and Outer Circles: Participants are divided into two groups, an “inner circle” and an “outer circle.” The inner circle starts with a few participants, while the outer circle observes.
3. Discussion in the Inner Circle: The participants in the inner circle engage in a discussion on the chosen topic. The facilitator may pose a question or provide a prompt to guide the conversation.
4. Observer Role: Participants in the outer circle observe the discussion taking place in the inner circle. They are encouraged to actively listen and take notes.
5. Rotation: After a set period (e.g., 15-20 minutes), the facilitator signals a rotation. Some participants from the inner circle move to the outer circle, and vice versa. This allows for fresh perspectives and a new set of participants to engage in the discussion.
6. Continued Rounds: The discussion continues in rounds, with participants rotating in and out of the inner circle. The facilitator may introduce new prompts or questions for each round.
7. Reflection and Synthesis: At the end of the Fishbowl discussion, both the inner and outer circle participants come together to share their observations and insights. This can be done in a larger group setting.

When to Facilitate Fishbowl: Fishbowl is useful in various scenarios, including:

• Complex Problem-Solving: When tackling complex issues that benefit from diverse perspectives.
• Team or Group Discussions: It can be used for team discussions, decision-making, or exploring different viewpoints.
• Conflict Resolution: In situations where conflicts or differing opinions need to be addressed openly.
• Community Building: To foster a sense of community and shared understanding among a group.

Advantages:

1. Inclusivity: Fishbowl encourages the participation of a large group while ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute to the discussion.
2. Diverse Perspectives: It allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives and ideas on the topic.
3. Open Dialogue: Participants engage in open and transparent dialogue, which can lead to a deeper understanding of complex issues.
4. Active Listening: Participants in the outer circle actively listen and reflect on the discussion in the inner circle, promoting attentive listening skills.

Expected Outcomes: The outcomes of a Fishbowl discussion may include:

• Diverse Insights: The exchange of diverse insights and perspectives on the chosen topic.
• Conflict Resolution: Fishbowl can help resolve conflicts or differing opinions by allowing participants to openly address their concerns.
• Consensus Building: It can lead to consensus building or decision-making when participants align their perspectives.
• Community Engagement: In community settings, Fishbowl fosters a sense of community and shared understanding.
• Actionable Next Steps: The discussion may result in actionable next steps or plans related to the topic.

In summary, Fishbowl is a Liberating Structure that promotes open and inclusive discussions, making it a valuable tool for addressing complex issues, resolving conflicts, and fostering a sense of community. It encourages diverse perspectives and active listening, making it an effective approach for large group dialogues.