<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><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland Members,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I first want to thank everyone for participating with the outreach on yesterday. There were over 50 in attendance, including potential members. The great awareness was that members and guests experienced the audio description devices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Congratulation’s, to Vice President, Chacity Gilliam for facilitating the empowering event!<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted windowtext 3.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>.///<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Now, let’s turn our attention to the May Resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I am charging all members to take your leadership abilities to a higher level in May.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You can read more about leadership, the philosophy of the NFB, learn the NFB Believe Message or take an online course. Find a skill that can improve your communication skills, practice writing more, or finally taking on a role that you have depended on others to do on your behalf. Whatever it is take your capabilities higher in the month of May.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You as a leader must step up and take the charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Yes, we all are leaders and can improve. So, determine your weaknesses and threats, and turn them into strengths and opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Your resolution will be discussed at the meeting on the 22<sup>nd</sup>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Here is food for thought!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shifting from tasks to leadership:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>There are three Principals to Higher Performance<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>In today’s evolving world, simply completing tasks is no longer the standard for raising your leadership. While tasks are necessary, they are no longer sufficient for growth, influence, or long-term success. True leadership requires a shift in mindset—one that moves beyond <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A: doing,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>B: into thinking,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>C: positioning, and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>D: anticipating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>To elevate your leadership and performance, I encourage you to focus on three critical shifts: leverage, capacitance, and probability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>1. Leverage – Maximizing Impact<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Leverage is about doing more with less effort by using the right tools, people, and strategies. Strong leaders understand that they Cannot and should not do everything themselves. Instead, they <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A: build systems, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>B: empower others, and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>C: utilize resources effectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>When you operate with leverage, your influence expands beyond your individual effort, allowing you to lead at a higher level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2. Capacitance – Expanding Your Capacity <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Capacitance refers to <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A: your ability to hold, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>B: manage, and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>C: sustain responsibility, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>D: pressure, and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>E: growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Leadership is not just about reaching new levels—it’s about maintaining them. As you grow, your ability to handle complexity, make sound decisions, and remain resilient must grow as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Increasing your capacitance ensures that you are not only prepared for opportunity but capable of sustaining success over time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>3. Probability – Positioning for Opportunity<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Probability is about placing yourself in environments and situations where success is more likely to occur. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Great leaders don’t rely on chance they create conditions that increase their chances of success. This includes <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A: networking,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>B: continuous learning,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>C: strategic thinking, and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>D: being present where opportunities exist.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The more you position yourself effectively, the greater the likelihood that you will rise into leadership roles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Bringing It All Together<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>When you combine leverage, capacitance, and probability, you move from simply completing tasks to creating meaningful impact. You begin to operate with <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A: intention,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>B: expand your capacity to lead, and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>C:strategically position yourself for greater opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This shift not only enhances your performance but also opens the door to becoming a leader within an organization. More importantly, it raises your expectations—not just for success, but for sustainability and longevity in your leadership journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Remember, leadership is not defined by how much you do, but by how effectively you think, grow, and position yourself for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Let’s continue striving for higher levels of excellence together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ohio Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:24.0pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>P: (216) 990-6199<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>W: NFBOhio.ORG<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>