Sunday, October 20, 2013

COE Week 8- We Have Hit the Storms

A few weeks back when we were told that storming time had arrived and we would start to see problems arrive, I was in awe at all the things my fellow PAs had going on in their communities. My community was doing just fine. I thought for a while that maybe my community just clicked better than others and that I got lucky. But lucky is far from what I am thinking now. My community has hit the storming phase just a few weeks later than most and we have hit it hard.

I have begun to see several small issues arrive that my FIR and I are helping to ease. We have issues everywhere from roommates not following their cleaning schedules; to cliques forming that is not going unnoticed. On top of that we have a few residents with personal struggles that they are having to deal with. My FIR and I have a lot on our hands now as we try to support our community and get them through this storm with as little pain as possible.

Building those relationships early on has given us a great advantage when we approach a conflict. Asking the simple question of “how are YOU doing” has been my sidekick through the storms. Letting my residents know that I am worried about them first and not the issue has given me better results than any other. All my residents need in a struggling time is someone who cares. After I have cared for the person it gives me a better look on how to take care of the problem.
At the end of the day we are a community who will rise and fall together but the important part is that we always get back up.
 
>Brittney<

 

4 comments:

  1. Storming is a natural part of the process. It's great to have a FIR like Stan and you, with your positive energy. Take a deep breath and support and appropriately challenge people to resolve conflicts. They are a part of life, but with a heart at peace, we can "tackle" anything.

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  2. Good luck with the storming! Sounds like you have the best mentality with approaching the situation.

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  3. I can personally relate to what you are saying. Ups and downs in life are part of the normal process. After we reach to a point, we fall down in the ground and again try to build from there. My question to you Brittney, what would any community look like without any ups and downs? Is that even possible?

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  4. Brittney--
    I love how you ended your reflection, about how you will fall but then you will always get back up. That is important to realize during storming part of your community. It may seem like everything might be falling apart but just know that it will get better. You and Stan are approaching the situations with much compassion and with the best intentions for your community. Always remember to step back and listen to what is going on within your community.. Just remember we are all in this together and we are here for you at any time that you may need help.

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