Facilitation Stream

Fishbowl Panel

A fishbowl conversation is a form of dialog that can be used when discussing topics within large groups. Fishbowl conversations are usually used in participatory events like Open Space Technology. The advantage of Fishbowl is that it allows the entire group to participate in a conversation.

An advantage of a fishbowl conversation is that it is suitable for large groups. Another advantage is that they lessen distinctions between the speakers and the audience. These two reasons have made fishbowls popular in participatory group meetings and conferences.

Four to five chairs are arranged in an inner circle. This is the fishbowl. The remaining chairs are arranged in concentric circles outside the fishbowl. A few participants are selected to fill the fishbowl, while the rest of the group sit on the chairs outside the fishbowl. In an open fishbowl, one chair is left empty.

The moderator introduces the topic and the participants start discussing the topic. The audience outside the fishbowl listen in on the discussion. Any member of the audience can, at any time, occupy the empty chair and join the fishbowl. When this happens, an existing member of the fishbowl must voluntarily leave the fishbowl and free a chair. The discussion continues with participants frequently entering and leaving the fishbowl.

When time runs out, the fishbowl is closed and the moderator summarizes the discussion.

Open-space technology (OST) is an approach for hosting meetings, conferences, corporate-style retreats, and community summit events, focused on a specific and important purpose or task—but beginning without any formal agenda, beyond the overall purpose or theme.

Make an Agile Game

If you want to really learn something, teach it. Instead of playing an Agile game, improve your Agile knowledge by designing a game.

Are Counterproductive Games hindering your Agile Adoption?

Recognise Anti-patterns (smells) that are limiting effective organisational change and leading to project failures.

Do you ever have the feeling that your agile adoption is being hindered by people playing counterproductive games?

Many barriers to an Agile adoption stem from the psychological level - fear of the unknown, perceived loss of power, threats to ego, identity etc. To deal with this, many people revert to playing counterproductive games.

This session will explore a variety of problematic Interpersonal, Leadership and Estimation games that go on in many organisations. The workshop will allow you to explore your own work environment in terms of the most significant counterproductive games being played and discuss with other who may have experienced something similar, what techniques might help in these situations.

Coaching Dojo

A safe environment for agile coaches to practice and be exposed to different coaching styles.

Although Agile coaching requires many skills, we get back to basics by revisiting three fundamental coaching skills: observing, listening and questioning.

As you put these three key skills into practice, you will get feedback on your performance and have the opportunity to try out improvement ideas in a safe, open and friendly environment.

Mob Consulting

Bring your problems and let the wisdom of the crowd help you out. Many-to-one consulting leveraging the combined knowledge of the entire Sydney Agile community. Some must have already been there, done that, got the t-shirt.