The Washington Metro Area Chapter is always trying to encourage more member interaction and information exchange in our chapter meetings. Earlier this year, a valued chapter member, Cynthia Johnson, CPP suggested members would appreciate meetings more if they could ask questions to the entire group, rather than only the members they regularly sit or interact with at meetings. With this in mind, we created a “Payroll Fishbowl” to bring her suggestion to life. The bowl was placed on the registration table at our chapter meetings along with paper fish for attendees to write down their thoughts or questions. Members were given the option of anonymity when posing a question. Then during chapter announcements, we shared the questions with the entire group and allowed the members to discuss.
Our Chapter President, Abbey Moran, CPP shared, “The Payroll Fishbowl helps members start conversations with people they may not have spoken to otherwise. Being able to find others with similar experiences and challenges reminds us that we are not alone. There is a whole network of payroll friends out there that we can turn to if help is needed.”
The Payroll Fishbowl has been a huge hit and we have received dozens of fish! Some attendees have questions about a new system they are implementing or a system issue they have encountered. Some have tax or payroll law questions which require a resource or experience from others. One member wanted to know if there were any job opportunities within the group, and another wanted to know how to better promote themselves as a payroll professional.
Our Chapter President-Elect, Julia Lopez Divack, CPP said, “I love the fishbowl idea the WMAC started! We have had several members ask questions that got the whole room talking.”
The fishbowl idea has generated more networking connections, added more value to our chapter meetings, and provided a voice for those who do not want to be the center of attention. We are excited to see how it continues to benefit our chapter members in the future.
How does your chapter encourage member interaction at chapter meetings? Share in the comments below!
