Todd felts assignment 2

By. Todd Felts

Making My Connections:Theories That Travel

Making my connections: 3 Theories That Travel

1. Leaders create change with solid presentations. The message is important, but

secondary to way it is presented.


2. Leaders can create change during chaos when they have cared for their “flock.”


3. Leaders show what is possible with strong images to help them communicate through

rapid change.

The Nine Legs Of My Trip

(So Far)

My minister’s presentations taught me the power of language and emotion. He called us his flock. When uncertainty struck in the small community, his previous work at herding the flock became invaluable.

The First Leg: CHURCH

Cheerleading helped me understand the power of presentation in the midst of chaos and change. As the captain, caring for my flock involved listening,

and knowing when to ask people to sit it out.

The Second Leg: COLLEGE

As a TV reporter, I learned the art of gathering details, filtering , and creating presentations to communicate during rapid change. Caring for the flock (sources) were vital for my success. Relationships mattered during rapid

change. Presenting information clearly helped me lead against competitors and finding the right image made the story memorable.

The Third Leg: FIRST JOB

As the Public Information Officer at the NC Zoo, I quickly realized people were passionate about their jobs. When the director resigned under pressure, and a new leader arrived from London, I helped him engage employees before anyone else. He cared for his flock and created presentations showing how the Zoo could be a global leader in in animal conservation. People pitched in and change occurred.

The Fourth Leg: My Own Leader

The Fifth Leg: Politics

As the state’s top leader, Jim Hunt, made education his top priority. Rapid change meant NC now competed with other states for top industry and he showed the world his state was serious about good schools and a strong economy. He repeated his story over and over and made all events, no matter the

issue about education.

He knew his success rested on caring for his flock (staff) and showing them in clear terms where we had to go and what it took to get there.

A stadium of color communicated to the world those with mental retardation can accomplish great things and should not be mistreated. Before Special Olympics the fate of those with mental retardation was dim.

My theories traveled to recruit 30,000 volunteers and welcome 6,000 athletes from around the globe. Geographical boundaries and misconceptions were erased.

The Sixth Leg: THE WORLD’S STAGE

To truly lead during rapid change, Levick’s business was about communicating across cultures during crisis, winning with the right image and quickly identifying

stakeholders. To do this, my theories had to really travel.

The Seventh Leg: THE NATION’S CAPITAL

With graduation months away and rapid change inevitable, caring for this flock is essential. I show them how to get to where they want to go. It’s not as much about the rules of public relations but creating ideas that can travel with them. They now

must know their own flocks and really care for them.

The Eight Leg: TEACHER

To keep my theories traveling, what must I pack? Do I check bags or just take a carry on? And, more importantly, what must I leave behind, to keep my

theories, new and old, traveling during uncertainty?

The Ninth Leg: Packing

Making My Connections:Theories That Travel

Todd felts assignment 2

Education