[Massachusetts-NFB] Being the very best you!

[Jennifer Bose]

Hi, Shara. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the article. It's a great
piece to read to shape behavior in personal and professional situations.

Jen

On Fri, Jan 24, 2025 at 3:17 PM Shara Winton via Massachusetts-NFB <
massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Happy Friday All!
>
> I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection lately. In this process, I’ve
> read numerous articles in the *Braille Monitor* and revisited the wise
> words of our greatest leader, Kenneth Jernigan.
>
> As I continue striving to be the best leader I can be, my goal is to help
> each of you ignite and nurture the flame of potential within yourselves.
> One recurring theme I’ve noticed in my reading is the challenge of keeping
> our egos in check when it comes to collaboration.
>
> Let me be clear: this is not directed at any one individual, nor is it
> meant as a criticism. My intention is to share insights I believe could
> benefit all of us—whether in our work, volunteer efforts, family lives, or
> any situation where collaboration is key.
>
> Some of the greatest leaders in the National Federation of the
> Blind—Kenneth Jernigan, Joe Ruffalo, Gary Wunder, Peggy Elliott, and Mark
> Riccobono—have all emphasized the importance of ensuring our egos never
> outweigh the mission of our movement. They’ve also shared their personal
> struggles with this balance, reminding us that this is a universal
> challenge.
>
> Each of us has an ego—it’s a natural and necessary part of who we are.
> However, success lies in finding that sweet spot: being assertive enough to
> stand by our beliefs while avoiding the extremes of arrogance or
> submissiveness. Striking this balance allows us to collaborate effectively
> and remain focused on our shared goals.
>
> Below, I’ve included a few quotes from my readings that resonate deeply
> with me, as well as a link to an article I believe you’ll find valuable.
> It’s an excellent starting point that can lead you to many other
> thought-provoking resources.
>
> “Managing your ego is one of the best things you can do, not only for
> effective collaboration, but for saving your own time, energy and focus,
> not to mention living your #bestlife and having satisfying, enhancing
> relationships.”
>
>
>
> *“Recognize when you are going into ego mode*
>
> Here are a few telltale signs:
>
>    - You have a feeling of self-righteous self-importance, with perhaps a
>    sprinkling of superior sanctimony thrown in for good measure
>    - You are overcome with a need to prove you are right and that the
>    other person is wrong
>    - You have a strong inner critic who is very judgmental, critical of
>    yourself and others
>    - You think in black and white terms
>    - You have an attitude of scarcity and fear, rather than abundance and
>    possibility
>    - You can feel your nervous system is on edge and you are not relaxed
>    in your body
>    - You feel very protective and defensive of your opinions
>    - Here is a quote from a great song by Harry Chapin, "You know good
>    dreams don't come cheap, you have to pay for them. If you just dream when
>    you're asleep, there is no way for them to come alive, to survive."
>
>
>
>
> https://makeadifference.media/culture/managing-your-ego-for-collaboration/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20best%20ways,you%20will%20fight%20your%20corner
> .
>
>
>
> I hope this helps you, as it has helped me. Have a wonderful weekend! Go
> live your best life Courageously!!
>
>
>
>
>
> With Love, Hope and determination,
>
>
>
> Shara Winton
>
> President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts
>
> www.nfbma.org
>
> sharawinton at gmail.com
>
> 617-304-0347
>
>
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