My Leadership Style
One strength I possess is building teamwork. This is a story that I always tell to exemplify the importance of teamwork and knowing who plays a role in an organization. A Vietnam pilot, Captain Franks, was flying over enemy lines and was shot down. He was held as a prisoner of war (POW) for a few years before being released. He had a hero’s welcome and was commended by many people around him. Then one day, a Vietnam veteran came to Captain Franks and said, “Are you the one that flew from the Kitty Hawk ship that was shot down?” Captain Frank said, “Yes”. The veteran said, “Well, I was the one who packed your parachute. I am glad it worked!” Captain Franks was pleased to know who packed his parachute and suddenly realized of all those times he was onboard on the Kitty Hawk, he did not recognize the person who packed his parachute!" The moral of the story goes to show how significant everyone’s role is in an organization from the highest to the lowest echelon. This also includes everyone who plays a role outside of the organization.
The Value of Communication (Engage!)
According to the book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connects, you must be able to connect on four levels: visually, intellectually, emotionally, and verbally (signing). A good communicator takes the time to listen, reclarify the message, resonate with a person or an audience, and make them feel valued.
Everything you do or say is Public Relations. - Unknown
The Value of Social Media
Social media is one of the most powerful medium and if used wisely, it can influence social change. You can have 10 million followers but only receive 100,000 likes or you can have 10,000 followers and receive 1000 likes. In terms of Follower Power Index (FPI), I'd take the latter because you have greater influence.
On Design
At anytime I design a website, a letter, or a video to be distributed to the masses. My philosophy is that a message should be simple with a clear context of the idea you are trying to convey to the audience. The content should be direct and words should be use sparingly. I am a believer that the work should have simple design with restraint, the type of font that you use, and the mix/combination of palette that adds value to the conversation. An image should have function over form and includes empathy and focus. Jonathan Ive, Apple Industrial Designer, has been very influential in how I think, develop, and design everything.
I also emphasize the importance of the use of Deaf Space as well as Universal Design for access.
I also emphasize the importance of the use of Deaf Space as well as Universal Design for access.