FISHBOWLED: How Playing Games Helps Your Team Achieve Clarity

CLARITY

the quality of being clear and simple

As we train college students to be remarkable summer staffers for Connect Camps, we play a game called “Fishbowl.” 

To play “Fishbowl,” each of our staffers’ names are placed on pieces of paper in a literal fishbowl. After staffers have learned and understand the plan for how we create a remarkable day camp experience that helps churches meet new people, they are “fishbowled” at random to discuss and practice parts of that plan. After a staffer has finished, their groups evaluate and discuss that part of the plan.

Why do we do that? 

Clarity and accountability.

When your team anticipates being asked about the plan, they spend more time internalizing it. They also become more invested.

A clear plan cannot be executed if the leader is the only person who knows it and is running the play. 

Clarity is achieved when the people around you are just as clear on the plan as you are. And that clarity equips each team member to become personally invested.

When every team member knows their role and understands why their contribution matters, your clear plan is executed with excellence. 

So, how do you know what your team knows and understands? You ask.

You don’t have to “fishbowl” your team, but regularly asking your team members missional and visional questions and discussing their responses is an effective way to articulate clarity.

Creating a rhythm of regularly discussing your plan with your team also helps foster community and steer your team toward executing a clear plan.

Interested in learning more about executing a clear plan or other essential ingredients to meeting new people?

Take the Connect Coaching Assessment ($27 value) for FREE at www.connect-ministries.com/assessment to receive personalized coaching for your church to meet new people.