"Once you begin thinking about it, there are numerous opportunities to make Personal Safety Nets work within your own life and the lives of the people you love." James J. Marshall-Ward, Executive Director, Rosehedge/Multifaith Works.
Soft Skills Mona Used in Dealing with the Flood
Mona used many soft skills as she moved from independent and powerless to interdependent and powerful. The most significant skills were:
- Courage
- Decision Making
- Adaptability
Courage: Mona was adamant in her decision to stay in her home. It took courage to take in new information. Choosing to let go of her independence allowed her to make a far better, more informed decision. It also took courage to move in with a housemate of a virtual stranger. She chose to trade independence for interdependence.
Decision Making: Mona realized she had the power to change her mind in order to make a life-affirming decision. This new decision considered all the stakeholders - two daughters, friends, neighbors, and rescuers and the impact of her choice on them.
Adaptability: Mona had no power over the rising water. She had power in her willingness to adapt to the circumstances. Adapting and changing her decision made her life less stressful, introduced a new neighbor and friend, and gave her two daughters peace of mind knowing that their mom was in good spirits and well cared for.
"You (PSN) are doing important work which will help huge numbers of people. In business, employees can't function effectively when upset by crises in their personal lives. This is another application, I think. And one that is more closely associated with how I saw it applying to my work place."
Jeff Greene, GGA Greene Gasaway Architects PLLC