Shaping a Vibrant Culture in Our Organization & Broader World:
Reflective Leadership & Communication Tools
The workshop integrates research-informed practices to (1) deepen staff engagement with the organizational mission and (2) equip them with reflective intra-personal and inter-personal skills that make them more effective channels of presence, understanding, and authentic service. Prior participants report six key benefits:
1. Enhanced contemplative listening presence.
2. Greater meaning & connection to the overall organizational mission.
3. Actionable techniques for navigating conflict.
4. Enhanced leadership skills.
5. Boosts in employee engagement and team resilience. People emerge with a powerful sense of community and connection with one another.
6. Transformations in work relationships. Participants express gratitude for the breakthroughs in longstanding struggles that they’ve had with families; some share it has helped them with their marriages and other familial bonds.
The skills are rooted in:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Social Psychology
- Empathy Studies
- Clinical Pastoral Education Formation Principles
- Adult Pedagogy
- Resilience Studies
The workshop may be offered for continuing professional education (with advanced application), and is typically offered over the course of four 2-hour sessions or as a 1-day reflective workshop. The content and timeframe are amended to suit organizational needs and scheduling rhythms.
Facilitated by Brent Anderson, M.Div., BCC.
Reflections from participants
The (workshop) was timely...due to the polarization we've experienced in our culture, as we continue in the service and accompaniment of our parish community with their diverse needs... Very practical relational tools for healing divisions.
- Deacon David Lansford, Monterey Diocese, Third Order Franciscan
I gained a lot of insight into my tendencies when reacting to conflict and have taken steps to become a better listener. That has led to deeper connections with people who appreciate being heard instead of being "corrected."
- Tony Turano, Commissioner of Cattaraugus County Social Services
Everyone in healthcare could benefit from this process. I’ve already shared a number of the tools with my colleagues! - Nursing Leader
This has transformed the way I talk to clients and groups about their emotions. - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
This has really improved my relationship with my spouse. Having the awareness of how our neurological defensive responses can so quickly get activated and prompt us to assume less than noble intentions... this helped us tremendously in breaking out of the "stuckness" of our usual patterns.
In a world filled with so much divisiveness and a lack of civility, it is important to hone skills for slowing down, listening, and inviting understanding and dialogue. The openness, sharing, and connection among all the participants helped in understanding and appreciating the skills shared in this retreat. I highly recommend this retreat and look forward to sharing the experience with our staff.
- Sr. Margaret Magee, Congregational Minister (Executive Leader) of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, which has nearly 200 sisters who have founded hospitals, retreat centers, schools, & social service ministries around the world.
Tailored Programs for your Organization
If your organization, department, or church is struggling with discord and ways of relating that are less than ideal, the retreat provides a profound shared experience that builds connection and common ground. It also provides communal tools that groups can immediately apply and intentionally cultivate on an ongoing basis for relating in ways that are more lifegiving, reverential, and positive. If your group is interested in learning more about a tailored retreat offering from Cultivating Unity for team building or conflict resolution, please don't hesitate to reach out.