| Principle | Proverbs | How to apply it in peoplecare |
|---|---|---|
| Observe and interact | Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. | Listening to oneself, identifying patterns of behaviour and habits. |
| Catch and store energy | Make hay while the sun shines. | Catching the moment, storing positive energy, going with the flow. |
| Obtain a yield | You can’t work on an empty stomach. | Expanding the concept of yields, meeting short-term needs, and harvesting yields to maintain motivation and momentum. |
|
Apply self regulation and accept feedback |
The sins of our fathers are visited unto the seventh generation. | Being open to feedback, hearing feedback without feeling criticised. Being aware of the consequences of our actions. Giving and receiving appreciation. |
|
Use renewable services and resources |
Let nature take its course. | Finding entertainment and activities that don’t involve fossil fuels, creating rather than consuming. |
| Produce no waste |
Waste not, want not. A stitch in time save nine. |
Preventing our energy from being wasted. Timely maintenance. |
|
Design from patterns to details |
Can’t see the wood for the trees. | Looking at the root causes of problems rather than symptoms. Identifying patterns of behaviour, thinking and communication. |
| Integrate rather then segregate | Many hands make light work. | Being inclusive, welcoming. Integrating different age groups, or activities. Making connections locally. |
|
Use edges and value the marginal |
Don’t think you are on the right track just because it is a well beaten path. | Expanding the edges of our comfort zone. Acknowledging that we can change our habits. |
| Use and value diversity | Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. | Acknowledging other’s strengths and weaknesses. It is healthy to have diversity in our activities, support systems, income, etc. |
|
Small and slow solutions |
Slow and steady wins the race. The bigger they are the harder they fall. |
Starting with realistic expectations, keeping change steady and manageable. |
|
Creatively use and respond to change |
Vision is not seeing things as they are but as they will be. | Learning to deal with change and building skills that enable us to adapt to situations. |