I think it’s safe to say this year has been wild for all of us. And I believe, the journey of learning and self-improvement never stops.
Which is why I want to share the top three lessons I learned in 2023 that have shaped my leadership approach, and deepen my connection with my business and my community.
Lesson #1: Storytelling Is Key
Great leaders are storytellers; they inspire by sharing their dreams. And admittedly, this isn’t something I’m great at doing.
Storytelling in leadership isn’t just about communicating facts or strategies; it’s about connecting on a deeper level. It involves sharing personal experiences, aspirations, and even vulnerabilities in a way that resonates with others. It’s how visions and dreams are transformed from abstract concepts into tangible goals that everyone feels a part of.
Take, for instance, the ambition of SpaceX to reach Mars. Their goal when first announced seemed next to impossible, but now, I think we can all admit their goal could be a reality in the near future. It’s a story that inspires the company and the people who work there.
I knew I needed to do the same so my ambitions for the future could be plainly understood, and those I lead could help me go that direction.
I want to create a world where there are no communication barriers. Where the mention of another language or deafness instantly prompts an understanding and supportive reaction followed by an immediate “Here’s an interpreter,” or “Let’s use this device for smooth communication.” Right now, for most of our society, these tools are an afterthought. But I want them to be so common that they are the norm, not the exception.
Sharing this dream has become a pivotal part of my narrative as a leader. It’s a story that goes beyond the boundaries of our company, reaching out to the wider community. It’s about painting a vivid picture of what the future could look like, engaging people’s imaginations, and stirring their emotions. I am still working on incorporating this storytelling into my own leadership style, but the more I articulate my vision, the more effectively I garner support, and build a stronger, more connected team.
Lesson #2: Sometimes The Right Decision Will Hurt
The second significant lesson of 2023 has been about the inherent challenges of leadership, particularly the necessity of making tough decisions. As a CEO, I’ve encountered numerous crossroads where the path forward, although correct for the business, was filled with emotional complexity.
Leadership, by its very nature, is about guiding a team or an organization towards a shared vision. But this journey is not always smooth. It involves making decisions that can profoundly impact people’s lives, like redefining roles or, in some cases, letting team members go. These moments are among the most challenging aspects of being a leader. They demand a blend of empathy, foresight, and courage.
The reality of business sometimes requires roles to change, or for some paths to diverge. It’s about aligning skills and roles in a way that serves the larger goals of the organization, which can mean tough choices have to be made. One of the hardest lessons has been learning to separate professional decisions from personal feelings. A decision made in the best interest of the business is not an indictment of a person’s talents or contributions.
And these tough decisions come with a responsibility to handle them with as much grace and empathy as possible. It’s about being transparent, providing support, and helping those affected to transition smoothly, whether within the company or in their future endeavors.
These decisions require a delicate balance of business acumen and human empathy, a balance that I strive to maintain as I lead my company forward.
Lesson #3: Presence Builds Trust
The acquisition of my business demanded my physical presence. Which meant taking a lot of time away from my family to travel.
The strain of each trip was palpable. But, the benefits of being there, face-to-face with my new team and clients, were immeasurable. In the world of remote communication where emails, calls, and video conferences dominate, the power of physical presence often gets overshadowed. However, this year has highlighted that being physically present offers a unique dimension to building relationships and trust.
Physical presence is about more than just a handshake or a meeting. It’s about the subtleties of human interaction that are often lost in digital communication. Gestures, facial expressions, and even the energy in a room contribute significantly to building a deeper understanding and connection. Being there in person allowed me to engage with the team and clients on a more personal level, understanding their aspirations, concerns, and dynamics in a way that remote interactions could never fully capture. Plus, my physical presence helped foster a sense of team spirit and cohesion. It allowed for spontaneous interactions and conversations, moments of informal bonding that are crucial in building a comfortable and trusting team environment.
It would have been easy for me to sit at home and manage the team remotely, but it wouldn’t have been as effective.
Looking Ahead
Each of these lessons has shaped my approach to leadership and deepened my understanding of what it means to be a leader in the deaf community and in the business world.
The year ahead promises its own set of challenges and opportunities, but I look forward to further honing my skills, exploring new ideas, and embracing innovative approaches to lead my team and serve the deaf community more effectively. I am ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that 2024 has in store!
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