Dining with Della: Rhian Walker at Heartwood Community Cafe
March 07, 2016
Dispensing with traditional church stained glass windows and Sunday sermons, Rhian focuses on having open table dialogues connected to the Christian calendar. For example, Spring is a time of lent but rather than talking about giving up beer or wine, this group might talk about the key concept of emptying what you don't want to take with you or leaving something behind. They get together once a month on a Tuesday night. You don't have to be Christian to attend just have an open mind to spirituality. She wants to attract people who would not necessarily go to a church.
I have not been to one of her evening dialogues yet, but I find her approach to spirituality refreshing in its unconventionality. In fact, I find Rhian completely refreshing.
When we worked together at Quay Strategies some 10+ years ago, we had many philosophical discussions. Little did I know at the time, this amazing communications person who sang in a band would move on to get her Masters in Theology. She also found time to marry an equally interesting, musically talented man and have two children.
What worked...
What one bit of communication impacted your life?
Rhian cited working on our media training programs as a pivotal learning moment. She expressed it as "learning that you need to experience something to embody new knowledge." Noting the people we coached were all highly skilled and knew their own areas but needed to apply our training by practicing interviews. It was a completely different context for communicating and until they were able to apply the tools in mock scenarios, they could not deeply embody the knowledge.
What did not work...
Sending an email when a phone call or face to face was required.
Rhian stresses the importance of not trying to resolve anything other than a technical issue via email. As she cautions, continuing an email chain when there is a misunderstanding or conflict will only escalate the issue. If there is confusion or an edge, you must pick up the phone or arrange an in-person get together.
No matter what gets said in those sensitive emails, it becomes a permanent record that cannot be erased.
(Note from Della: So true, Rhian, I try to live by my own rule of not posting (including emails) mad or sad. Anytime, I have sent something in haste, I have regretted it.)
Rhian stresses the importance of not trying to resolve anything other than a technical issue via email. As she cautions, continuing an email chain when there is a misunderstanding or conflict will only escalate the issue. If there is confusion or an edge, you must pick up the phone or arrange an in-person get together.
No matter what gets said in those sensitive emails, it becomes a permanent record that cannot be erased.
(Note from Della: So true, Rhian, I try to live by my own rule of not posting (including emails) mad or sad. Anytime, I have sent something in haste, I have regretted it.)
What if...
What advice would you give to your younger self to enhance your ability to communicate with others – and why?
Rhian's quick retort to this question was to certainly not advise her younger self to buy more clothing.
Seriously, she would caution young Rhian to work on slowing down and being present. Describing the challenge of her overactive monkey mind, she stressed the need to find a good space to reenergize and slow down. She also noted being an extrovert and highly social, there is a need to find graceful exits so you can recharge.
I have popped into Heartwood a few times since knowing Rhian was going to be doing her Ministry work there. On one occasion, as we were chatting, a gentlemen sweetly interrupted to ask if Rhian was going to be around for a while. Instantly, we both could see he needed some quality "Minister Rhian" time. We quickly wrapped up and she turned her total attention toward the man. She was fully present and in the moment for him. I got a little teary as I left. Look at this wonderful woman, making the world a better place... and being totally in the moment.
Seriously, she would caution young Rhian to work on slowing down and being present. Describing the challenge of her overactive monkey mind, she stressed the need to find a good space to reenergize and slow down. She also noted being an extrovert and highly social, there is a need to find graceful exits so you can recharge.
I have popped into Heartwood a few times since knowing Rhian was going to be doing her Ministry work there. On one occasion, as we were chatting, a gentlemen sweetly interrupted to ask if Rhian was going to be around for a while. Instantly, we both could see he needed some quality "Minister Rhian" time. We quickly wrapped up and she turned her total attention toward the man. She was fully present and in the moment for him. I got a little teary as I left. Look at this wonderful woman, making the world a better place... and being totally in the moment.
Posts
0 comments