Author: Jordan

  • Spotlight by the Manitoba Outreach Theatre Hub

    Sharing my upbringing as a Deaf, Filipino person from acting on stage to the community. Here, I share what I learned and hope to inspire others around me and to make an influence beyond the stage with 100 Decibels: A Deaf Mime Troupe.

    Thank you Manitoba Outreach Theatre Hub – MOTH for the spotlight on this.

    I want to acknowledge the importance of working alongside allies and ASL interpreters within the community who were instrumental to my growth with 100 Decibels in the acting and theatre community. There were people and organizations who have provided me opportunities, mentorship and had meaningful conversations with.

    The lessons learned and conversations I had transcended beyond theatre. Collaborative efforts and partnerships with a Deaf-led group from all production levels went beyond accessibility and inclusion. And our work reflected these.

    The same principles apply for businesses with Deaf employees and Deaf customers. By partnering with a Deaf-led and Deaf-owned company like Convo, you have the opportunity to make an meaningful impact that will enhance the Deaf employee and Deaf customer experiences in your business like trust and loyalty for your company.

    If your business is located in Canada, you can check them out at www.convo.ca. Or email them at contact@convo.ca to connect.

  • What is a creative outlet? (And how do I leverage it to make an impact?)

    I asked Chat GPT this question and this is the response I received:

    A creative outlet is a means of expressing oneself and channeling creativity. It can be any activity or medium that allows individuals to explore their imagination, emotions, and ideas. Examples of creative outlets include painting, writing, playing an instrument, dancing, crafting, and photography. Engaging in a creative outlet can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of personal expression. It can also serve as a way to relieve stress and explore new possibilities.

    Itā€™s pretty accurate in what I do. I love what I do because it is an outlet where I can manifest my creativity. With the ability to connect and converse with people sparks my creativity whether theyā€™re roadblocks, barriers, or conflicts. Like diamonds, they are a result of being under pressure. Creativity is like that under some kind of restriction and results into something beautiful out of it.

    As a Deaf person, the problem isnā€™t me being Deaf or even Deafness itself. Itā€™s the systemic barriers being imposed. In my case, Iā€™m referring to audism. Itā€™s always been there long before it even had a name. Like death, itā€™s inevitable. So, we just need to learn to manage it with tools and resources with a community. Itā€™s a team effort and requires a community to make it through.

    However, itā€™s deeper than that. Itā€™s all from within. Our drive, perseverance and more importantly, our mindset. What drives our mindset though is finding and understanding our why. By focusing on audism, weā€™re just simply banging ourselves against a wall. Like I mentioned, death is inevitable. So, what do families do in preparation for death? They get life insurance, critical illness, wills, estates and a funeral plan.

    With audism, we create inclusion and access by raising awareness about Deaf Culture, teach ASL, provide ASL interpreting services, and so on. There are many ways Deaf people and allies with entrepreneurial spirits pushing through to create solutions getting over the hurdle.

    This goes back to what I love Iā€™m doing. Creating stories, creating solutions that matter and creating impact. My creative outlet is an opportunity to transform Deaf lives and the community through meaningful conversations.

  • Grateful for ASL as a parent to my CODA toddlers

    Just over the weekend, as I watched my toddlers communicate with each other in ASL, I’m grateful to be blessed with being able to connect with them as their parent through ASL. We’re able to foster our relationship in meaningful ways.

    Does this mean we’re not able to have this if you don’t know ASL? No. We just have to communicate differently.

    Generally, there are 2 ways we can do this:

    1. Learn ASL from Deaf people.
    2. If option 1 is not feasible, then get an ASL interpreter.

    These are the 2 ways we can connect.

    This is also true when you want to connect with family members, Deaf employees, Deaf customers, Deaf creators, Deaf entrepreneurs, etc. Generally, with Deaf people, with whom you are in constant contact regularly.

    The opportunity cost is that we don’t connect. And when we do, there’s definitely a lot we can gain.

  • Is it a skill?

    If so, it might be worth learning.

    If so, it might pay to let someone who has learned it take care of it.

    Coding is a skill. But itā€™s not clear that the person who knows how to code should be doing your design.

    Teaching is a skill. But simply because someone is good at a craft doesnā€™t mean that they know how to teach it.

    Copywriting is a skill. Having access to the Mailchimp password doesnā€™t make you a skilled copywriter.

    Selling is a skill. The person who owns the organization or cares about the charity might not be the best person to go on the sales call.

    Proximity is not the same as skill.

    Note: This is a repost from Seth Godin’s blog.

  • You cannot avoid conflict and here are 8 strategies you can do in a conflict

    Conflict is inevitable. I view conflict as sand paper. The more we go through it, the more it shapes us. But it takes a certain skill. Effective conflict resolution is an important skill for personal and professional growth. Here are some strategies for resolving conflicts:

    1. Identify the problem:

    Identify the problem by clarifying what the conflict is about. This can help to focus the discussion on the key issue.

    2. Active listening:

    Listen actively to the other personā€™s perspective. This can help to understand the other person’s point of view and find a common ground.

    3. Empathy:

    Show empathy by acknowledging the other personā€™s feelings and emotions. This can help to build trust and understanding.

    4. Communication:

    Use effective communication to express your own feelings and thoughts. Use ā€œIā€ statements to avoid sounding accusatory.

    5. Brainstorm solutions:

    Work collaboratively to come up with possible solutions to the conflict. Be creative and open to new ideas.

    6. Evaluate the solutions:

    Evaluate the potential solutions and consider the pros and cons of each. Identify the solution that is best for both parties.

    7. Reach an agreement:

    Agree on a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Put it in writing, if necessary, to avoid misunderstandings.

    8. Follow up:

    Follow up to ensure that the agreed-upon solution is implemented and that the conflict has been resolved.

    In summary, effective conflict resolution involves identifying the problem, active listening, empathy, effective communication, brainstorming solutions, evaluating the solutions, reaching an agreement, and following up. By incorporating these practices into your conflict resolution process, you can successfully resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.

  • Building strong relationships with others

    Building your network starts with relationships. Building strong relationships with others is an important aspect of personal and professional growth. Here are some tips to help build strong relationships:

    1. Communication:

    Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Be open, honest, and transparent when communicating with others.

    2. Active listening:

    Listen actively when communicating with others. Show interest in what they are saying, and ask questions to show that you are engaged in the conversation.

    3. Empathy:

    Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Showing empathy can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    4. Respect:

    Show respect for others by being punctual, keeping your promises, and being courteous and professional.

    5. Collaboration:

    Work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. Collaboration can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    6. Positive attitude:

    Maintain a positive attitude when interacting with others. This can help create a positive environment and foster strong relationships.

    7. Give and take:

    Be willing to give as well as take in relationships. This means being willing to offer support, help, and resources when needed, as well as being willing to receive them when offered.

    8. Maintain boundaries:

    Set clear boundaries and expectations in relationships. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

    9. Appreciation:

    Show appreciation for others by thanking them and recognizing their contributions. This can help build a sense of mutual respect and strengthen relationships.

    10. Be present:

    Be present and engaged when interacting with others. Put away distractions and focus on the conversation and the person you are interacting with.

    In summary, building strong relationships with others involves effective communication, active listening, empathy, respect, collaboration, a positive attitude, give and take, maintaining boundaries, appreciation, and being present. By incorporating these practices into your daily interactions, you can build strong and meaningful relationships with others.

  • 10 Productivity Tips For You to Be Successful

    Ever wonder how successful people are more productive? Here are some time-saving tips for productivity:

    1. Prioritize tasks:

    1. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and tackle the most important tasks first.

    2. Use a task list:

    1. Use a task list to keep track of tasks and goals. This can help you stay organized and focused.

    3. Set goals and deadlines:

    1. Set clear goals and deadlines to help you stay on track and motivated.

    4. Avoid multitasking:

    1. Avoid multitasking, as it can actually decrease productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time.

    5. Take breaks:

    1. Take regular breaks to give your brain time to recharge. This can help boost productivity and reduce stress.

    6. Minimize distractions:

    1. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary apps, and finding a quiet workspace.

    7. Use productivity tools:

    1. Use productivity tools such as time-tracking apps, project management software, and automation tools to help you streamline your work.

    8. Delegate tasks:

    1. Delegate tasks to others if possible. This can help you focus on your most important tasks and save time.

    9. Batch similar tasks:

    1. Batch similar tasks together, such as responding to emails or making phone calls. This can help you work more efficiently.

    10. Set boundaries:

    1. Set boundaries for your work hours and stick to them. This can help you maintain a work-life balance and avoid burnout.

    In summary, time-saving tips for productivity include prioritizing tasks, using a task list, setting goals and deadlines, avoiding multitasking, taking breaks, minimizing distractions, using productivity tools, delegating tasks, batching similar tasks, and setting boundaries. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can save time and increase your productivity.

    Which one of these time-saving productivity tips did you like and why? What other tips do you have that wasn’t mentioned here?

  • Stuck in a thinking rut? Read these tips to enhance creativity and innovative thinking!

    During my career, I learned that my degrees became less important. They gave me advantages in certain situations but these skills are what complemented my education and got me to where I am now. Here are some tips for enhancing creativity and innovative thinking:

    1. Keep an open mind:

    1. Try to keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas and perspectives.

    2. Explore new experiences:

    1. Seek out new experiences, places, and people. This can help expand your worldview and stimulate new ideas.

    3. Practice brainstorming:

    1. Set aside time for brainstorming and generating new ideas. Write down all ideas, even if they seem silly or impractical.

    4. Challenge assumptions:

    1. Challenge assumptions and question the status quo. This can help identify new solutions and approaches.

    5. Embrace failure:

    1. Don’t be afraid of failure or making mistakes. Failure is often a necessary part of the creative process and can lead to new insights and breakthroughs.

    6. Collaborate with others:

    1. Collaborate with others to generate new ideas and perspectives. Working with a diverse team can bring new insights and approaches to problem-solving.

    7. Take breaks:

    1. Take regular breaks and give yourself time to recharge. This can help refresh your mind and stimulate new ideas.

    8. Practice mindfulness:

    1. Practice mindfulness and meditation to help reduce stress and promote a clear mind. This can help enhance creativity and focus.

    In summary, enhancing creativity and innovative thinking involves keeping an open mind, exploring new experiences, practicing brainstorming, challenging assumptions, embracing failure, collaborating with others, taking breaks, and practicing mindfulness. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can enhance your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

    Which one of these tips did you like? Comment below!

  • 8 Strategies for Effective Problem-Solving

    When you find yourself fixated on the problem, you need to shift to an effective approach to solve it. Here are some strategies for effective problem-solving:

    1. Define the problem:

    Clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. Identify the underlying issues and factors contributing to the problem.

    2. Gather information:

    Gather as much information as possible about the problem. This can include data, opinions, and feedback from others.

    3. Brainstorm solutions:

    Generate as many possible solutions as you can, without evaluating them yet. Be creative and open-minded.

    4. Evaluate solutions:

    Evaluate each solution based on its feasibility, potential impact, and the likelihood of success.

    5. Choose a solution:

    Choose the solution that best addresses the problem while taking into account the feasibility, impact, and success probability.

    6. Implement the solution:

    Develop a plan to implement the chosen solution, including timelines, resources needed, and key milestones.

    7. Monitor progress:

    Track progress and make any necessary adjustments as you implement the solution.

    8. Evaluate results:

    Evaluate the results of the solution and determine if it was effective in addressing the problem.

    In summary, effective problem-solving involves defining the problem, gathering information, brainstorming solutions, evaluating solutions, choosing a solution, implementing the solution, monitoring progress, and evaluating results. By following these steps, you can address problems more effectively and make better decisions.

    Which one of these did you like? What other strategies do you use that wasn’t mentioned here? Comment below!

  • Have bad habits you want to break? Read these 7 tips.

    There comes to a point in our lives where we realize we have an addiction or a bad habit we want to break but need some tips.

    I got you. Here are some tips to overcome addiction and bad habits:

    1. Identify triggers:

    Identify the situations or emotions that trigger your addictive or negative behaviour. This can help you avoid these triggers or find healthier ways to cope with them.

    2. Seek support:

    Seek support from loved ones, a therapist, or a support group. Having a support system can provide accountability and encouragement.

    3. Develop a plan:

    Develop a plan for breaking the addictive or negative behaviour. This may include setting goals, creating a timeline, and identifying rewards for progress.

    4. Replace the behaviour:

    Replace the addictive or negative behaviour with a positive one. For example, if you are trying to quit excessive snacking on junk food, you could replace it with exercise or a healthy snack instead.

    5. Practice self-care:

    Practice self-care, including getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food. This can help improve your overall well-being and reduce stress.

    6. Celebrate progress:

    Celebrate progress and small wins. This can help keep you motivated and encourage continued progress.

    7. Be patient:

    Overcoming addiction or bad habits is a process that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.

    In summary, to overcome addiction and bad habits, identify triggers, seek support, develop a plan, replace the behaviour, practice self-care, celebrate progress, and be patient. With time, effort, and support, it is possible to overcome addictive or negative behaviour and build a healthier lifestyle.

    What other ways do you do to overcome addiction or bad habits not mentioned?