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Wednesday, 25 February 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
‘Crisis is a part and parcel of life, both internal and external. Some form of crisis and conflict is inevitable in any form or system. However, the problem lies less in the inherent nature of conflict than in our response to it’, writes the author.
Even though the book ‘From Crisis to Character’ is based on organisational crises, I can’t help but wonder the relevance the model the book introduces, to the character-growth of a post-crisis communities. When asked, the author mentioned the versatility of the model she introduces at the outset, so the readers could apply the model to whatever the crisis situation they are in from a more ‘hopeful’ perspective.
One’s character is generally challenged when disaster strikes and as the saying goes; it’s not about how high one climbs, but how high he bounces back when he hits the bottom which defines the true measure of a man’s success. This is the heart of the ‘Crisis to Character’ model by Rozaine Cooray.
Adversity breaks some but still others break records. That is how we develop an attitude towards overcoming a crisis. We have it in us either to look back and lament, or stay positive, never give up, look ahead and do the very best you can specially in terms of crisis. Persistence is crucial. People may not believe what you say but they will believe what you. In my experience, the journey of Foundation of Goodness has enabled an entire community to rebuild itself from the complete ruin, debris and rubble of tsunami in 2004.
In essence, one needs to stand up and deliver by overcoming the challenges, giving the right directions, leading by example, being honourable in your actions and sincere in your words, to achieve the goals set by establishing confidence in your team and the attitude that nothing is impossible if you work in unity. All these are character strengths mentioned by Rozaine Cooray in personal character and community character.
These are some of the characteristics that we followed faithfully in our pursuit of building a ‘holistic rural development community model’ that serves over 25, 000 beneficiaries annually free of cost from over 50 villages via 30 productive empowerment sectors.
We facilitate the progress of disadvantaged communities, thereby turning a tragic setback into a blessing through the waves of worldwide compassion that we harness to overcome the waves of destruction. The village over the years stabilised on a ‘new equilibrium’ where people working for a bigger cause could inject hope to the people around them.
When a crisis or a disaster occurs, usually, when one door shuts, another opens. If we know the art of letting go in adapting to change, by going through the new door of opportunities, we can make things happen, rather than regret on what is lost.
However, it must be mentioned that during such a period of time, one needs to be meticulously organised, plan with a vision, ensure standards and systems, instil discipline and surpass expectations of the donors if we are to make the best use of a crisis to create something better for the greater good of future generations, or even at a personal level to transform the crisis into something beneficial even individually.
Success breeds success, action breeds action, and the chances multiply because of one’s attitude to be positive and say ‘Yes I Can’ to make it work. Rozaine’s model captures the essence of community –character- building which she says is an extension of personal character building from I to You to We. I wouldn’t have agreed more!
This book is not only for organisations seeking to grow and improve, but also for individuals who want to be better human beings and communities that intentionally work towards overcoming crisis in achieving greater quality of citizenship.
