The Fishbowl Effect: Why You Should Mind the Glass

Christopher Hollingsworth
Nov 10, 2024
8 min read

As a parkour coach, you're probably used to overcoming a multitude of obstacles. Working long hours, learning a ton of skills you didn't think you'd need (like practically becoming a child behavioral expert) etc.

But here's another hurdle you might not have considered: you're always on display.

Welcome to The Fishbowl Effect, where your every move is visible to students, parents, and that one kid who always shows up early to class for no apparent reason (his mom bribes him to go with robux).

Like it or not, you're in a position of constant visibility. And while the glass walls might seem daunting, understanding and embracing this reality can make you a more effective coach.

Let's dive into what this means, why it matters, and how you can make sure that when people peer into your "fishbowl," they like what they see.

What Is the Fishbowl Effect?

Imagine you're in a room with transparent walls. Everything you do, your gestures, expressions, tone of voice, is observable. In the context of coaching, this means your class setup, instructional quality, and emotional state are always under scrutiny.

Why Does This Matter?

Perception Is Reality: How others perceive you can impact your effectiveness as a coach.
Role Modeling: You're setting an example, whether you intend to or not.
Professionalism: Maintaining high standards isn't optional when you're always in the spotlight. Especially when you work with children.

Telling on myself: My Encounter with the Fishbowl Effect

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Back in my early twenties, I had one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong. I woke up late, was feeling tired and injured from a not so great session, and got stuck in traffic on the way to the facility. By the time I arrived to set up for my parkour class, my patience was hanging by a thread.

Frustrated and eager to catch up, I started hastily arranging the equipment. Instead of placing the mats carefully, I tossed them into position with little regard for precision. My face must have looked like a storm cloud, furrowed brow, clenched jaw, the whole nine yards. I was so wrapped up in my own irritation that I didn't notice a couple of unfamiliar faces observing me from the corner of the gym.

Unbeknownst to me, these two individuals were traveling parkour athletes who had heard about my coaching and followed me on social media and decided to drop in for a class. They had arrived early, hoping to get a sense of my teaching style and perhaps pick up some new techniques. What they saw, however, was a coach who appeared careless and visibly upset.

As the class began, I did my best to push aside my earlier frustrations. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and once I'm engaged with my students, everything else tends to fade away. The energy shifted, I was enthusiastic, attentive, and fully present. The class went smoothly, and the students seemed to enjoy the session.

After class, the two visitors approached me. They introduced themselves and confessed that they had almost left before the class started. Surprised, I asked why.

"Honestly," one of them said, "when we saw you throwing mats around and looking upset, we thought it might not be worth staying. It didn't seem like you'd be in the right mindset to teach."

His companion nodded. "But we're glad we stayed. Your coaching was excellent, and your attitude during the class was completely different from what we initially observed. That being said, you should have more of a regard for how you occur to your students at all times."

Their words hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized that my actions, even those I considered insignificant, like how I set up the gym, had a profound impact on how others perceived me. My initial behavior had almost cost me the opportunity to connect with new students and share the discipline I love.

This encounter was a wake-up call about the importance of the fishbowl effect. As coaches, we're always on display. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the overall experience of our students and anyone else who might be watching. Our demeanor before, during, and after class sets the tone and can either invite people in or push them away.

From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to be mindful of my behavior at all times. I started arriving a bit earlier to give myself time to settle in, no matter how hectic my morning had been. As I set up the equipment, I did so with intention and care, viewing it as the first step in creating a positive environment for my students.

I also began practicing techniques to manage stress and shift my mindset before stepping into the public eye. Simple actions like taking a few deep breaths, setting small milestones for the setup process, and reframing any negative thoughts helped me present myself more positively.

This experience not only improved how others perceived me but also enhanced my own enjoyment of coaching. By being fully present and engaged from the moment I walked into the facility, I found that my classes were more energetic and my connections with students more meaningful.

In retrospect, I'm grateful for that challenging day and the honest feedback from those two practitioners. It taught me that as a coach, I'm not just teaching skills, I'm embodying the values and attitudes that come with them. Embracing the fishbowl effect has made me a better coach and, I believe, a better person.

Peering Into the Fishbowl: What You Don't Want to See

Let's get the awkward stuff out of the way. Here are some things that, if observed, might make others question your coaching prowess:

1. Emotional Volatility

Outbursts of Frustration: Raising your voice or having a sour tone with students , sighs, poor body language etc.
Visible Disinterest: Checking your phone during class, sitting down or looking bored sends a clear message, none of it good.

2. Disorganized Class Structure

Chaotic Environment: If your class looks like a group of cats herding themselves, it's time to rethink your approach.
Lack of Preparedness: Scrambling to come up with drills on the spot isn't a great look.

3. Poor Instructional Quality

Disproportionate attention: Picking favorites, ignoring less talented students, avoiding issues with behavior, not providing proper feedback to the group etc.
Ignoring Safety Protocols: Overlooking warm-ups (allowing students to skip warmups as well) or equipment checks is a fast track to trouble. If the setup can't handle a running precision from Tim Champion it shouldn't be in a class full of students.

Developing the Fishbowl Skill: How to Shine Under Scrutiny

Now that we've covered what not to do, let's focus on cultivating the art of thriving in the fishbowl. Because let's face it, if you're going to be under constant observation, you might as well put on a good show.

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness

Remember those internal experiences we've talked about before? Understanding your own thoughts and emotions is crucial, especially when you're tempted to throw a mat across the room.

Check In With Yourself: Before each class, take a moment to assess your emotional state. Are you stressed? Tired? Secretly plotting to run away and join the circus? Acknowledging these feelings allows you to manage them effectively.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate brief mindfulness exercises to center yourself. A focused coach is an effective coach, or at least less likely to blow up on a kid.

2. Master the Art of Presentation

First impressions matter, and so do second, third, and fiftieth impressions, because students and parents have memories like elephants when it comes to classes.

Professional Appearance: Dressing appropriately shows you take your role seriously. Parkour has big street culture influences but your appearence and hygiene should show that you're a person that is here to teach.
Confident Body Language: Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures that convey enthusiasm. Remember, slouching is only acceptable if you're demonstrating poor posture as a cautionary tale.

3. Plan Like a Pro

Just as we've discussed setting mini milestones in training, planning your classes in detail makes a huge difference. After all, even the best improvisers rehearse SOMETHING!

Structured Lesson Plans: Know what you're teaching and how each activity leads to the next.
Clear Directions and Signage: Ensure students know exactly where and when to go.
Greet Your Students: As students arrive, welcome them warmly. A simple "Hello" goes a long way in making them feel valued and sets a positive tone for the class.
Interactive Warm-Ups: Start with activities that bring everyone together, ensuring that latecomers know where to jump in (figuratively and literally).

4. Enhance Communication Skills

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps the class flowing smoothly, like a well-oiled machine, or at least a machine that isn't on the verge of collapse.

Concise Instructions: Be clear and specific about what you expect. "Do the thing" won't usually cut it.
Active Listening: Pay attention to student feedback and adjust accordingly. If a student looks confused that's on you!
Engage with Parents: Don't underestimate the importance of parental involvement. Take time before or after class to:
- Provide Updates: Share their child's progress or highlight achievements. Parents love hearing that little Timmy can finally get down off a hip height box without face-planting.
- Address Concerns: Be approachable if they have questions or worries. Customer service with parents is a universal skill and a great thing to be good at and practice even if it's not your main accountability.
- Build Relationships: A friendly chat can go a long way. This is a strategic way to ensure you get more snacks at events as well. (Looking at you with those gummy bears Mel).

5. Foster a Positive Environment

Your attitude sets the tone for the entire class. If you're exuding doom and gloom, don't be surprised when your students start composing melancholy haikus instead of practicing vaults.

Encouragement Over Criticism: Focus on what students are doing right and how they can improve.
Inclusivity: Make sure every student feels seen and valued. This includes learning names, acknowledging efforts, and not playing favorites, yes even the kid that sells you girl scout cookies.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Arrange the space thoughtfully so it's inviting and safe. Ensure equipment is set up properly, and pathways are clear. An obstacle course is fun when intentional, not when it's the result of haphazard setup.
Set Clear Expectations: Let students know the class routine so they feel secure. Surprises are great for birthdays, not so much for managing a group of energetic kids and their watching, worried parents.

6. Be Accessible and Approachable

Being a coach is really all about being there for your students and their families.

Open Lines of Communication: Let students and parents know how they can reach you with questions or concerns. Consider setting specific times for availability to maintain boundaries.
Feedback Invitations: Encourage students and parents to provide feedback.
Professional Boundaries: While being friendly is important, maintain a high level of professionalism. Don't invite your 7-16 year old students to play fortnite with you.

7. Manage Class Flow Efficiently

Keeping things running smoothly ensures that everyone knows what's happening and when.

Punctuality: Start and end classes on time. If you consistently run late, students and parents notice. And they remember.
Transitions: Clearly signal when it's time to move from one activity to the next. I like to break class into 6 sections. Warmup, conditioning, skill practice, course, practice, game and then debrief. Everyone knows when one section is transitioning into another.
Group Management: Know where each student should be during the class. Misplaced students tend to find their way into trouble, or the foam pit.

8. Safety First, Second, and Third

Nothing ruins a class faster than unnecessary injuries.

Demonstrate Proper Techniques: Show moves step-by-step, highlighting common pitfalls. This isn't the time to show off your double backflip unless everyone else is ready for it. Bodying yourself in front of kids IS NOT COOL

Ukemi = Art of falling. Woo-kemi = Art of Showing off
Monitor the Environment: Keep an eye out for hazards. A stray water bottle on the floor can turn a sprint into a slip-and-slide.
Emergency Protocols: Be prepared to handle injuries or incidents calmly and efficiently. Yelling "Medic!" is generally considered not to be enough to handle most emergencies.

Final Thoughts

The Fishbowl Effect might seem intimidating at first, but it's really an invitation to elevate your coaching game. By being mindful of how others perceive you, you can ensure that when people look in, they see a coach who is competent, confident, and committed.

So next time you step onto the floor remember that the glass of the fishbowl is a window of opportunity. And while you might occasionally feel like that goldfish swimming in circles, take comfort in knowing that with self-awareness and intentional action, you're making waves in all the right ways.

-Christopher Hollingsworth