<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:11.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1371802287;
mso-list-template-ids:33710764;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Happy Friday All!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection lately. In this process, I’ve read numerous articles in the <i>Braille Monitor</i> and revisited the wise words of our greatest leader, Kenneth Jernigan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Recognize when you are going into ego mode</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here are a few telltale signs:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>You have a feeling of self-righteous self-importance, with perhaps a sprinkling of superior sanctimony thrown in for good measure<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>You are overcome with a need to prove you are right and that the other person is wrong<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>You have a strong inner critic who is very judgmental, critical of yourself and others<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>You think in black and white terms<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>You have an attitude of scarcity and fear, rather than abundance and possibility<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>You can feel your nervous system is on edge and you are not relaxed in your body<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>You feel very protective and defensive of your opinions<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>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."<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://makeadifference.media/culture/managing-your-ego-for-collaboration/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20best%20ways,you%20will%20fight%20your%20corner">https://makeadifference.media/culture/managing-your-ego-for-collaboration/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20best%20ways,you%20will%20fight%20your%20corner</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope this helps you, as it has helped me. Have a wonderful weekend! Go live your best life Courageously!! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With Love, Hope and determination, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>sharawinton@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>