A521.9.4.RB_TAYLORHEATHER

According to Denning (2011), there are specific elements that make a leader effective in their role.  These elements include the following three dimensions:

·         “The interactive leader works with the world rather than against it.”

·         “Interactive leadership builds on personal integrity”

·         “Interactive leadership doesn’t depend on the possession of hierarchical authority.” (p. 286)

When reflecting on the many leaders I have come to know both personally and professionally, I feel Denning really put a significant amount of thought into his statements about leadership.  A leader is not someone that has a title or a position of authority. A leader is more about personality qualities and the ability to relate to others in a way that motivates them to achieve greater heights in their shared vision.

Knowing that I am a leader already is simultaneously exciting and overwhelming.  I am reminded daily of the wisdom in the words, “To whom much is given, much is required.” (Luke 12:48).  It is a great feeling to know that your words and actions help inspire others but it is also a reminder that your words and actions have a greater impact on others and thoughts, feelings, statements and deeds need to be completed with others in mind, regardless of the setting. 

When Denning (2011) clarifies that a leader works in harmony with the surrounding community.  As a leader in the community of persons with disabilities, I know that I have the power to create a divide with those that are responsible for enforcing Americans with Disabilities Act legislation or I can come alongside and motivate them to make positive changes.  So many leaders in the disabled population have decided to go the route of law suits and legal battles to make changes.  While there is definitely a time and place for legal action, how much more effective to create longstanding positive bonds to not only get the current item resolved peacefully and without the additional charges of legal fees in order to have these resources readily available for the next item that comes across the shared table of creating positive changes.

Integrity is something I have been taught since childhood.  In fact, my high school motto was “Loyalty, Integrity and Dignity.”  We were to hold ourselves to the highest standards of moral aptitude when making decisions even as teenagers.  Those lessons stuck with me and I was reinforced even then at how others gravitate toward those that speak truth from a heart that is not seeking anything but a common good.  Maintaining integrity is no easy task.  It is a daily exercise to ensure your thoughts are guarded against selfishness and your actions reflect accordingly.  The struggle I have had in the past is maintaining a high level of integrity for years and then slipping in what may seem to be a small way but knowing that will have a significant impact on those that have looked to me for leadership in their lives.  For example, at the upcoming Ms. Wheelchair America competition, there will be a night that involves painting and drinking wine, which to many may an enticing fun experience.  While that may be so, I have to remember that there are girls that are creating an image in their mind of me as a leader while still at a stage of seeing me as a princess.  I have rarely seen Disney princesses surrounded by half consumed wine glasses.  Doing some forward thinking, I can easily see a picture posted to social media that would include the drinking of wine and I have to keep these inaccuracies in the image of integrity that could easily be skewed and bring down the powerful message I am attempting to share.  The clime to a position of leadership is very difficult and full of obstacles, but it is a quick and slippery slope back down if a leader is not careful.  I believe I will be contacting the coordinator of the event and request we choose to not include alcohol during the competition events, explaining the rationale.

Finally, Denning (2011) explains that an interactive leader is not necessarily one appointed into a position or authority as reflected in an organizational chart, but rather a leader can be made at the same level of peers.  Schultz (2013) reinforces this with the finding that a leader “is able to interact with people at all levels and is not overly concerned with his own image or status” (p. 49).  A leader does not need to be in an ivory tower.  A leader does not need to be on a podium.  A leader is an individual that is willing to humbly relate at any level with any person that they are trying to connect with for the purpose of achieving their shared vision.  In my personal experience, I have found that I am a much better leader when I do not even feel as if my role is one of hierarchical difference.  I am able to focus solely on the mission rather than the dynamics of leader-follower.  In order to carry this same level of dedication to the team while in hierarchical leadership roles, I have placed significant effort in ensuring there is an awareness that a position is a position and someone needs to be in the position, but all members have the opportunity to lead and a duty to be a leader in order to realize our full potential.  I also have found that by equipping those within the team to build their own leadership skills it positively impacts the entire team personally and professionally.

Denning, S. (2011). The Leaders Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass

Schultz, J. R. (2013). The elements of leadership. Global Business and Organizational Excellence, 32(6), 47-54. doi:10.1002/joe.21514

A521.8.4.RB_TAYLORHEATHER

It was the 2012 legislative session in Florida and I had spent the day in Tallahassee advocating for behavioral health services.  Each year the state of Florida hosts "Behavioral Health Day" at the capital and persons throughout the state are encouraged to attend and request increased funding for substance abuse and mental health services.  Along with the CEO of the county behavioral health agency where I worked, fellow counselors and case managers, we woke early in the morning and headed to promote positive changes.

During the day we went into offices of senators, legislators, lobbyists and policy-makers.  Although I did know one representative, the majority of the individuals we met that day were complete strangers.  However, you would have never known that this was the first encounter I had with these persons of influence.  The CEO of the behavioral health agency where I worked commented several times on how bold I was in meeting others and my confidence during interactions.  She went as far as offering her name badge which carried her title for me to wear as I went on to meet more officials.

One such senator was not in his office when we visited and we were really anticipating discussing behavioral health issues with him.  After a long and productive day, we decided to head home for the evening despite the missed opportunity to meet with this senator.  We piled into the agency van and were well on our way, stopping only for visits to the restroom at rest areas.  I remember the CEO remarking that she thought the person in the parking space next to us looked just like the very senator we were trying to make contact with during the day. He had exited his vehicle and was heading toward the restroom. I told her I would be right back and walked up beside him as he was getting a snack from the vending machine.  To break the ice, I offered up my favorite snack choice and struck a conversation with him that allowed us to discuss behavioral health issues.  As McKay, Davis and Fanning (2009) suggest, I began using active listening skills and developed the conversation through informational questions. (p. 222)

The CEO was astounded that I would just walk straight up to a senator I had never met and begin advocating over a candy bar.  I started to think about my reason for having very little intrepidation during initial encounters with new individuals.  Ever since I was a young child I remember enjoying meeting new people.  My family and teachers would state that I was someone that would talk to trees if no one else were around and that I had never met a stranger.

Fast forward to the present day.  I have maintained the same level of confidence throughout my life and whether I am having a one-on-one conversation or speaking to hundreds of people, my message and interactions are delivered with ease and poise.  There is one drawback to being so comfortable in these situations.  My actions can be viewed as intimidating, attention-seeking or over-confident.  To try to create a balance when making initial contact, I attempt to read my audience and watch for body language that can give me cues of whether my actions are too open or if my disclosures are causing discomfort for those I meet.  I then will try to emphasize those areas that I see are more comfortable for this new encounter to continue to develop.  For example, if I am meeting someone that tends to be emotionally disconnected or socially withdrawn, as McKay et al (2009) suggests, I will try to read their body language and will then hone in on the areas that have elicited smiles, head nods or interpersonal connections.  As I continue to build on these interactions, I slowly will develop the relationship at the pace of the new contact's comfort.  This has proven to be successful and has allowed me to grow in my ability to meet and connect with others.


McKay, M., Davis, M., & Fanning, P. (2009). Messages: The Communication Skills Book (Third Edition). New Harbinger Publications, Inc

A521.7.4.RB_TAYLORHEATHER

It will happen.  One day soon, my husband, daughter and I will depart KDAB- Daytona Beach International Airport on a journey throughout the state of Florida.  Today we do not have a plane.  We do not have a single dollar in sponsorship toward the end goal of $5,140.00 to make this dream a reality.  We do, however, have a vision.  We know there is a way to break through the barriers and create a smooth path in which I will wheel toward a Cessna with my daughter seated in my lap, my husband will place us in the plane and will shout those amazing words I have not heard in nearly two years, “Clear Prop.”

Just as Nancy Duarte communicated in her TedTalk, The Secret Structure of Great Talks (2011), this passion, this idea I have within me needs to get communicated to a larger audience.  Duarte herself has experience significant life struggles that could have deterred her from the dream she had within her to influence others in a meaningful and powerful way.  Yet, she was able to do what I hope to do in the next few weeks.  I am going to fully take hold of what Duarte suggests as the way to overcome these obstacles.  She offers, “Capture the resistance that is coming against you.” (Duarte, 2011).

As Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has completed the recent commencement ceremonies, the Office of the President is now able to focus on other matters.  I plan to go to the campus Monday morning and speak face to face with those that have previously rejected this idea of an inspirational journey to encourage those with disabilities to never give up on their dreams or their independent lives. 

I will not march into an office, but I will roll along my six wheeled vehicle in pursuit of a “Yes.” An affirmation that the University to which my family devotes their time, effort and energy is going to support this endeavor to help others regain hope and develop a better understanding of how the state of Florida can improve the lives of those with disabilities.  I know, I feel that this dream can be a reality and I need the help of the university to make it so.

In preparation for my meeting with the Office of the President, I will need to ensure I am presenting my message clearly.  “A clear message is a complete and accurate reflection of your thoughts, needs, feelings and observations.” (McKay et al., 2009, p. 58)  It will be imperative for my statements to be concise but accurate and reflect exactly what is needed in communication.  Moreover, I will need to share the stories that will hopefully inspire many across the state and nation.  Denning (2011) states. “Stories about the past enable us to make sense of the past and so move into the future.” (p. 207)  I need to ensure the stories can help the Office of the President at Embry-Riddle understand why this vision needs to become a reality.

I can hear those words, “Clear Prop” and can see the blue skies of our journey ahead.  I know ERAU will be part of that journey.  What an impact we will make together!

    Denning, S. (2011). The Leaders Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

     Duarte, N. TedxEast. (2011, November). The Secret Structure of Great Talks. Retrieved May 09, 2016, from http://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_duarte_the_secret_structure_of_great_talks

    McKay, M., Davis, M., & Fanning, P. (2009). Messages: The Communication Skill Book (Third Edition). New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

A521.6.3.RB_TAYLORHEATHER

Denning (2011) describes that a high performance team is able to maintain the characteristics of community, setting clear goals, having appropriate leadership & membership, adequate resources and support, they are able to shape and exceed expectations, adjust performance to compensate for changes.  Moreover, they grow stronger together, grow individually, create interpersonal commitments and have a unified vision of giving it all for a single member and a single team member giving their all for the team.

As I reflect on my life and think of times where I have joined with teams, the most rewarding was with the First Baptist Church of South Daytona choir.  While the outcome did not cure cancer or solve world hunger, it really did make a positive impact on lives.  The team is comprised of men and women that range in ages from 30-90 years of age, with most between ages 50-90.  This team meets twice a week for approximately 5 hours per week.  It hasn't won any international awards or recognition, but it doesn't seek to compete for these types of accolades.  It is a church choir that shares the values of humility, grace and living a life devoted to God.  The importance of being able to share these values is in the understanding that all members are not trying to out do one another or win a competition, but sincerely sing from their heart to praise and worship, humbly.  

On Palm Sunday of this year, I had an opportunity to sing a solo at church.  It had been some time since performing a solo and it was the first time since my health had declined to my current state.  Needless to say, I was nervous.  The night before the performance I had prayed and practiced the solo A Capella style, so as to have a better level of control over my breathing rather than trying to force myself to stay with the tempo of a song track.  As I went into the sanctuary for the sound check and practice, I began to sing "In Christ Alone."  The music director, Glen Jones, said it had a beautiful sound as he walked through the sanctuary to check acoustics.  Then, Dennis Stowe, our church pianist/organist, asked if I would like accompaniment.  I explained about the difficulty breathing and keeping tempo and he assured me that if I allowed him to see my mouth as I sang, he would be able to follow with my vocalizations even if I had to take pauses. As he started to have me sing to determine the most appropriate chords, Brother Glen realized he had the same song in the same key with the full piano accompaniment in the choir room.  He brought it out to Dennis and he masterfully sight read as I sang along.  Within minutes we were having a great time of worship during practice.

Then I thought, what if people do a standing ovation?  Sometimes that happens, especially if they want to provide moral support to someone.  Yet, I didn't want the song or the performance to be about me.  It was Palm Sunday.  It was all about Jesus! So I thought, well, maybe the choir would be willing to sing the chorus of "The Solid Rock" as a tag at the end of the song and we could have the congregation stand as we all sang that verse.  The choir had 5 minutes to practice this as it was completely impromptu and church was about to start.  We were adapting and changing together and we were able to do it because we shared the same beliefs.  Give your all for God all the time!  No one got upset that they weren't notified in advance or that it wasn't sent out previously in some type of communication.  We all knew the words, we just needed the key and the signal to stand when it was time for the tag at the end of the song.

As I approached the front of the sanctuary I could feel my heart beating so quickly.  Some from nervousness, some from Dysautonomia.  I prayed a silent prayer that the performance be something that glorify God alone and it be a song performed solely for Him.  I explained to the congregation that this song was a beautiful song about God's love and Christ's sacrifice.  It is a song of hope and the power to overcome.  I then asked that they stand and sing the chorus from "The Solid Rock" with us at then end of the song.  I then angled my body toward Dennis as he played the introduction.  The words of the song flowed out and they were completely in tempo.  I looked out into the congregation filled with eyes that met mine with expressions of hope and love.  There were some sweet tears of joy.  Then it was time for the tag and I motioned to the congregation to stand.  As I sat in my wheelchair singing, the church was filled with souls standing and singing to God.  At the end of the chorus we all clapped in joy over the incredible time of worship we just shared together.  It was simply beautiful.

When I think of our choir, it is with a sense of intense interpersonal connection.  While I have been part of musical ensembles that perform more as a work group that have their parts and report to the choir director, this group of people is more of a team.  They interact closely.  They are there for each other through the hardest of times, and I remember their sweet faces looking over and praying for our family as we were in the hospital.  They were the same people that helped us get to and from doctor appointments and cared for our daughter when I was too weak.  While some think that church and choirs are like a community, not closely knit and something that you connect to as you so choose, our choir and our church truly is focused on making those deep connections with one another grounded on our shared beliefs in our faith.  Yes, we are part of a large network of "Christians" but we don't simply like one another's photos on Facebook or post pictures of scripture, we serve as a true church in each others lives.  We ensure that we continue to foster those meaningful engagements Christ taught us to do when He was here on earth.

I look back on times where I had similar opportunities to create these deep connections and I failed.  Years ago I met a man that I thought was going to be there with me when I took my final breath.  A man that I wanted to marry and raise a family with, and at first he wanted the same.  We were in what we thought was love and we asked our pastor to marry us.  The pastor was a little apprehensive, probably because he could see the warning signs we were invisible to by the effects of infatuation.  I had been taken aback by my ex-husband's musical ability and his confidence.  He was a Music Ministry Leader and I would look up to him every Sunday from the pew as he strummed his guitar and sang.  After we were married, he and I would sing together in front of the congregation and lead worship.  Looking back, we were not a team.  I remember quite vividly one Sunday where we were singing, "It is Well."  This traditional hymn allows for the alto and soprano voices to sing and then have the tenor and bass voices echo.  Yet, my husband wanted more of a spotlight and he decided he would take the melody and I would echo.  When we did this before the church, I could see the discordance on the faces of the members.  Everyone realized what was happening.  That afternoon I was convicted about how much the worship was not about creating unity in the congregation, but was about an on-stage showcase of talent for the audience in the pew to enjoy.  It wasn't long after that I could see our relationship wasn't about a team founded on a shared values but was one of differing values of narcissism and  humility.  We were divorced shortly after we married.  It broke my heart, but when we also realized that I wanted children and he didn't, we knew it was time to part. It is hard to see how this team, this marriage, failed.  Yet, I realize now how important it is to create all teams, even the ones that are in your very own home, on shared values.  Without having that foundation, you have very little to build upon for future success. Through these positive and negative experiences, I am able to assuredly agree with the statement, "What sets apart high performance teams...is the degree of commitment, particularly how committed the members are to one another." (Denning, 2011, p.171)

Denning, S. (2011). The Leaders Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.