Fishbowls and Neurorhetorics
LCHA Fishbowls: A New Way to Rehumanize the “Other” and Foster Belonging Across All Differences in the Workplace
Organizations striving for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging often struggle with a central challenge: how to create authentic understanding across differences. Based on groundbreaking dissertation research, LCHA Fishbowls are now being offered to corporations as a proven method for rehumanizing “the other” and building genuine connection among employees.
Rooted in scholarship on leadership and conflict mediation the Fishbowl Method is a facilitated dialogue model that brings traditionally contrasting groups — such as men and women, racial and cultural communities, or even cross-departmental teams — into structured, safe conversations. The process helps participants move beyond stereotypes and assumptions to see one another’s full humanity. It is the one of the most effective methods for getting that insider's perspective into what's really going on, without tension, without malice, without fear!
LCHA Fishbowls are available in two formats:
Facilitator Training – equipping leaders and DEI practitioners to implement Fishbowl conversations inside their own organizations.
Direct Facilitation – LCHA facilitators lead customized Fishbowl experiences for companies, ensuring a safe, guided dialogue that fosters belonging and well-being for all stakeholders.
“Belonging isn’t just about policy — it’s about people seeing and hearing each other as human beings. LCHA Fishbowls transform the way colleagues engage across difference, leading to stronger trust, collaboration, and organizational health,” said Dr. Shalina J. Akins, founder of LCHA and creator of the Fishbowl methodology.
Early implementations of LCHA Fishbowls have shown success in rehumanizing contrasting groups across gender, race, and even political partisanship! proving that this model can be applied across any and all differences within organizations.
About LCHA
LCHA's bread and butter! The Linking Center for Human Achievement is dedicated to advancing organizational well-being, equity, and belonging through innovative research-based methods. Its Fishbowl model, developed through doctoral research on rehumanization across difference, provides a powerful tool for organizations committed to cultivating authentic inclusion.
Corporations interested in integrating Fishbowls into their DEI or well-being initiatives can learn more by booking a free consultation with the coach and facilitator, Dr. Shalina J. Akins.