“The best way to seek connection is to develop and practice the skill of empathy. This is the ability to see where another person is coming from and understand her values and fears. Empathizing with people who are like you and who generally share your points of view isn’t too hard for most people. Empathizing with people who are different than you and have values and beliefs contrary to yours is a lot more challenging.”
It’s after midnight on February 25, 2022, the deadline for this column. The cooperative’s emergency operations center has been active for a few days to restore power due to Winter Storm Oaklee. In a few hours, Oaklee will move towards the east coast, just like Winter Storm Landon did earlier in February. By the time you read this column, the winter storms may be forgotten. What won’t be forgotten by me is the commitment of Team SEMO and our partners who help restore power and broadband services during storms. There is a lot of work that gets completed in the dark. Nobody may see the work, but most see the light. Thanks to all who respond time after time to get the job done.
As we enter Spring, let’s be ready for severe storms. They can be devastating. These storms may take down power lines to create hazardous situations for all of us, including Team SEMO. How long it takes to get your power restored depends on the extent of the storm’s destruction, the number of outages, and when it becomes safe for Team SEMO to get to the damaged areas. It is important we prepare for severe weather. Pay attention to meteorologists and listen to your gut. Take action to be safe and stay alive. You matter.
SEMO Electric’s Annual Membership Meeting is set for Thursday, May 12 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds. Drive-thru to say hello, vote, and receive an attendance gift and a $15 bill credit. Gates will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Look for more information in this issue and next month’s Rural Missouri.
Book of the Month: “The best way to seek connection is to develop and practice the skill of empathy. This is the ability to see where another person is coming from and understand her values and fears. Empathizing with people who are like you and who generally share your points of view isn’t too hard for most people. Empathizing with people who are different than you and have values and beliefs contrary to yours is a lot more challenging.” Lead With And by Tim Arnold Book
Be smart. Act safe. #keeppushingforward
Sean is the general manager and chief executive officer of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.