🚨IMSPARK: a world where everyone is protected by early warning systems🚨

🚨Imagine... a world where everyone is protected by early warning systems🚨

💡 Imagined Endstate:

 A world where early warning systems are accessible, inclusive, and effective for all people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, to reduce the impact of disasters and climate change.

🔗Link:

Ref Here:

📚 Source: 

UN Secretary-General. (2022). Early Warnings for All: Executive Action Plan. Retrieved from 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Early warning systems 🛑are one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses.🌎Yet, as of 2022, only half of the countries globally have multi-hazard early warning systems, and even fewer have people-centered and end-to-end systems. 👥The UN Secretary-General’s🔄 initiative aims to close this gap and ensure that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

#DisasterResponse, #EWS,#EarlyWarning Systems,#VulnerablePopulations,#ClimateChange,#IMSPARK, 

IMOA: Let's talk about leadership

 

(IMOA) Imagine Pacific Original Article 

Let's talk about leadership

By SMSgt. Jared Mina, EMT, B.Ed. 

Hawaii Air National Guard    

12/15/2023

Let’s talk about leadership… What is “leadership?” The simple answer can be found in any Webster’s Dictionary such as… Definition #1 states “the office or position of a leader.” That doesn’t quite work for me. I think a better question would be “What does leadership look like?”

To help illustrate this, I will be talking about “The 5 Types of Leaders” 

as discussed by Mack and Ria Story (Story, 2021).

Type 1: Managerial Leader (Level 1)

A managerial leader is the least effective of the five types of leaders. They have the least influence. They see members as tools for their advancement. At the end of the day, it’s all about “Look at what I did,” regardless of their actual contributions. They tend to value the position more than the people. This leader can be appointed or perhaps they happen to be the last person available with the right credentials for the position (right place, right time).

Some Traits of the Type 1:

·   Character is weak.

·   Desire is “to be served” rather than “to serve.”

·   Strength comes from power, control, formal authority, and personal results.

·   “I follow because I have to…”

Type 2: Relational Leader (Level 2) 

This type of leader is more focused on people. They want to build relationships. People follow because of who they are rather than what they know (technical knowledge). Their weakness is not making/taking the time to develop their craft. Like the level 1 leader, this person can be at the right place at the right time. What differentiates them from the level 1 leader is the fact that they have taken an interest in the people and are willing to build relationships.

Some Traits of the Type 2:

·   Character is stronger.

·   Desire is to serve.

·   Values people more than the position.

·   Strength comes from relationships and moral authority.

·   “I follow because I like you…”

Type 3: Motivational Leader (Level 3) 

A motivational leader desires what’s best for both the people and the organization. People want to follow them because of who they are and what they know. They influence others from the outside. They are process-focused. These leaders have taken the time to learn/perfect their craft. This is where they begin to see the importance of building people up to their level (mentorship).

Some Traits of the Type 3:

·   Character is strong.

·   Desire is to serve.

·    Focus is on leading (influencing/releasing) people, managing processes, and getting results.

·   “I follow because you have moved me to…”

Type 4: Inspirational Leader (Level 4) 

An inspirational leader inspires managerial and relational leaders to become motivational leaders. Their focus is on growing themselves to inspire others to grow. They influence others on the inside. They are people-focused, not process-focused. These are who we would begin considering our “Subject Matter Experts (SME’s).” They have achieved a status where they are now mentoring Level 3 leaders towards becoming Level 4.

Some Traits of the Type 4:

·   Competency is highly developed and specialized.

·   Focus is on leading and developing Level 3 leaders.

·   Values people more than position.

·   Strength comes from relationships, moral authority, and the growth of others.

·   “I follow because I feel the need to…”

Type 5: Transformational Leader (Level 5) 

A transformational leader’s passion and purpose are to transform others. Their influence touches people in all industries and across multiple generations. They have put in the time and effort to better themselves (i.e. PME[1]) with the goal of bettering the organization. These are your SME’s! Besides making strategic and tactical decisions, their primary goal is to grow the organization, both in mission and personnel. More importantly, the Level 5 leader knows that this isn’t the end journey…it’s the beginning of a new adventure!

Some Traits of the Type 5:

·   Competency is highly developed and specialized.

·   Focus on leading influencing people and developing Level 3 and leaders.

·   Values people more than position.

·   Strength comes from relationships, moral authority, growth, and earn respect.

·   “I follow because I know I want to…”

So, what does all this mean? Here’s my interpretation utilizing two things that I truly enjoy, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Star Wars[2] movies!!!

At White Belt (Level 1), we have Jar Jar[3]… he did the minimum to get his white belt, show up. In the big picture, he took the hardest step in BJJ. Just stepping on the mat is a big deal. But, like a Level 1, you don’t know much but you are “higher” than someone that hasn’t stepped on the mat. Like all martial arts, you should be working towards your next level/belt. The same should apply to a leader. They shouldn’t just be satisfied by just “being there.” They should be working towards improving themselves. Some people never make it past this level.

At Blue Belt (Level 2), we have Wedge Antilles, Rebel X-Wing pilot, flew missions against both Death Stars. At this level, you’ve earned the respect of upper leadership but still have some Level 1 tendencies. You don’t magically become better once you get your BJJ blue belt. You still make some of the same mistakes you did as a white belt, but now you have some of the tools to fix them. It will require work and sacrifice, but you do have the potential to get to the next level. The same goes for a Level 2 leader; you know just enough to get by, people begin to like you, and if you put in the time and effort, you can move to Level 3. In BJJ, you know just enough to hurt yourself. But again, some people don’t make it past this level either.

At Purple Belt (Level 3), we have Han Solo, I’m pretty sure I don’t need to explain who he is. As I mentioned earlier, the biggest realization here is that it’s no longer just about you. In BJJ, if you receive your Purple Belt, you’ve already put in probably four or more years of training. Like a Level 3 leader, it’s time to start learning how to give back. For me, this is where I learned to be an instructor. The biggest lesson I learned here is that it’s not about who shows up to class today; it’s more about who wants to show up for class tomorrow! As a Level 3 leader, you should be motivating members to want to come back and continue to improve the organization not just today but tomorrow and the days following. At this point, most people are committed and have invested a lot into the art/organization and will most likely stay for the long haul.

At Brown Belt (Level 4) is Luke Skywalker. He’s best known for the re-emergence of the Jedi. You can see his growth throughout the movies, from a young boy on a farm to the leader of the new Jedi order. At this point, he is almost the SME for all things Jedi. Level 4 leaders are the same. They have put in lots of time and effort towards learning and perfecting their craft. This is where you mentor others to get to your level. You are considered the master who trains the apprentice in a “train the trainer” relationship. In addition to completing your tasks, you are also responsible for mentoring the Level 3 leaders towards becoming Level 4’s.

Our Black Belt (Level 5) on this list is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke’s mentor. There is no doubt that this character is an SME in the Jedi arts! Even after “dying,” he was still sharing his knowledge with Luke. Maybe not quite on that “share after dying” level, but a Level 5 leader is the same way. You’ve put in countless hours into the mission and organization that you are the SME! So now it is your responsibility to share that knowledge through mentorship of those below you as well as those outside the organization. Why outside? That’s how you expand your mission. That’s how innovation is born. Growth is a good thing. This is how you set your organization up for success so it will continue to grow without you.

But wait… there’s more... Why are there still two more belts[4]? Symbolically, they represent the fact that once you receive your Black Belt, that is not the end. Every Black Belt I’ve had the opportunity to train with or under has said it’s not the end…it’s a new beginning. I believe the same goes for leadership. Once you stop trying to better yourself or the organization you essentially start to destroy everything you’ve worked for. Just because you have a Black Belt doesn’t mean you don’t have the ability to display some White Belt tendencies. It’s climbing a mountain. Yes, you can move up, but you can easily slide down. The same goes for leadership. A Level 5 can perform like a Level 1, and in some cases potentially vice versa. Sometimes you make big moves, other times not so much. Sometimes you’ll need to retrace your steps or find a different path. Some people will just give up altogether. While others will continue to push no matter how hard the journey gets. In the end, it’s up to you.

So… What kind of leader do you want to be?

Senior Master Sergeant Jared Y. Mina, EMT, B.Ed. serves as the Detachment 1, HQ 154 Medical Group's Senior Enlisted Leader and augmentee to the Command Staff, HQ USPACAF. With a military career since 1996, he held roles from combat medic in Iraq to Health SME in the State Partnership Program in Indonesia and the Philippines. Born in Maui, he holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Key Words: #IMOA, #LeadershipStyle, #5Types,#BJJ, #BrazilianJiuJitsu,#leadership, #character

Works Cited

Lucas, G. (Director). (1977). Star Wars [Motion Picture].

Lucas, G. (Director). (1999). Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. [Motion Picture].

Story, M. &. (2021, March 2). The 5 types of leaders. ATD. Retrieved from https://www.td.org/insights/the-5-types-of-leaders 

---

[1] PME stands for Professional Military Education; this is a requirement for airmen to progress in their professional careers.

[2] (Lucas, 1977)

[3] (Lucas, 1999)

[4] Belt levelsin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide | BJJ Success

👥IMSPARK: Exploring the drivers and impacts of climate change-induced displacement👥

 👥Imagine...  Exploring the drivers and impacts of climate change-induced displacement👥

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where vulnerable communities are empowered to adapt to the effects of environmental hazards and climate stressors, and where displacement is minimized and managed in a humane and dignified way.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Ronco, M., Tárraga, J., Muñoz, J., Piles, M., Sevillano Marco, E., Wang, Q., Miranda Espinosa, M. T., Ponserre, S., & Camps-Valls, G. (2023). Exploring interactions between socioeconomic context and natural hazards on human population displacement. Nature Communications, 14(1), 8004.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

This study uses data-driven machine learning techniques to model and explain human displacement caused by sudden-onset disasters such as floods, storms, and landslides.🌊 It reveals that displacement is mainly influenced by the combination of poor household conditions and intense precipitation, and that differential vulnerability exists across regions and countries.🌎 The study provides empirical evidence and insights that could inform evidence-based mitigation and adaptation policies.

#ClimateAdaptation, #Displacement,#Socio-EconomicDeterminant,#VulnerablePopulations,#IMSPARK, 

 

🚚IMSPARK... Securing Our Supply Chains with the New Supply Chain Resilience Center🚚

🚚Imagine... Securing Our Supply Chains with the New Supply Chain Resilience Center🚚

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A future where the U.S. government and the private sector work together to ensure the security, resilience, and efficiency of our critical supply chains, and where Americans can access the products they need at reasonable prices and without disruptions.

🔗 Link: 

Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/11/28/securing-our-supply-chains-new-supply-chain-resilience-center

📚 Source:

Department of Homeland Security. (2023, November 28). Securing Our Supply Chains with the New Supply Chain Resilience Center. 

💥 What's the Big Deal: 

The global pandemic and other threats have exposed the vulnerabilities of our supply chains, which affect our economy, national security, and public safety. 🛡️The new Supply Chain Resilience Center (SCRC) will collaborate with industry and other stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks, 🚨conduct scenario planning, and enhance preparedness for potential disruptions.🔋 The SCRC will also help safeguard our critical infrastructure and emerging technologies from adversarial threats.

#PandemicPreparedness, #SCRC, #SupplyChainResilienceCenter,#Risk, #CriticalInfrastructure,#IMSPARK, 

📺 IMSPARK... Honoring A Legendary Producer and a World War II Hero📺

 📺 Imagine... Honoring A Legendary Producer and a World War II Hero📺

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where people appreciate the contributions of our veterans and heroes like Norman Lear, not only to the entertainment industry, but also to the defense of freedom and democracy.

🔗 Link: 

Norman Lear, iconic TV and movie producer, dies at 101

📚 Source: 

Joseph, E. (2023, December 6). Norman Lear, iconic TV and movie producer, dies at 101. CNN.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Norman Lear was a visionary who revolutionized television with his groundbreaking sitcoms that tackled social and political issues. 👏He was also a brave airman who flew 52 missions over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. 🌟He was a champion of civil rights, free speech,🕊️ and human dignity. He inspired generations of writers, producers, and activists with his creativity, courage, and humor.

#WWI,  #GreatestGenerations, #CivilRights,#Inclusion, #Diversity,#IMSPARK 

💼IMSPARK: How the New CRA Rule Benefits Native Communities 💼

💼Imagine... How the New CRA Rule Benefits Native Communities 💼

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

Native communities have greater access to banking services, community development financing, and affordable housing through the modernized CRA regulations.

 🔗 Link: 

This page

📚 Source: 

Kokodoko, M. (2023). How the new CRA rule benefits Native communities. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal:

The new CRA rule introduces Native Land Areas (NLAs) as a category of eligible community development 🏠 that recognize the unique challenges and needs of Native communities. Banks can now receive CRA credit for activities in NLAs,💰even if they are outside of their assessment area. 🌱This could increase the availability of financial resources and opportunities for Native communities. 

#financialstability,#BusinessSupport,#CDFI,#CRA, #NativeLandAreas, #NLA,#IMSPARK,

🌎IMSPARK: How the World’s Wealth Distribution is Changing🌎

🌎Imagine... How the World’s Wealth Distribution is Changing 🌎

                                                                           (Courtesy Visual Capitalist)

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A more equitable and sustainable global economy where everyone has access to opportunities and resources. 

🔗 Link: 

More Info Here

📚 Source:

 Visual Capitalist. (2023, November 29). Who controls global wealth? [Infographic

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The world’s wealth distribution is highly skewed, with millionaires holding nearly half of the net household wealth. 🙌However, this share is projected to decline slightly by 2027, as the global middle class expands and more people move out of poverty. 🚀 Understanding how wealth is distributed and changing can help us address the challenges and opportunities of economic development. 

#WealthEquity,#WealthGap, #GDP,#globalmarket,#IMSPARK, 

 

🎥IMSPARK: Transit Oriented Development: Transforming Hawaii's Future (VIDEO)🎥

🚗 Transit-Oriented Development: Transforming Hawaii's Future 🚉

Welcome to a visionary episode of IMSPARK, where we dive into the world of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Join us on a journey envisioning Hawaii's urban landscape in 2030—a landscape transformed into vibrant, walkable, and affordable communities along the rail corridor.

🌐 Source: In this exploration, we draw insights from an article by E. Cristobal (2023, November 23), titled "The Promise of Transit-Oriented Development: How Hong Kong and Singapore Can Inspire Hawaii’s Plans." Read more

💡 What's the Big Deal: TOD is not just urban planning; it's a strategic approach reshaping Hawaii's future. This method integrates public transportation, housing, and amenities in a compact space, offering a multitude of benefits:

• 🌱 Reducing Traffic Congestion: Embrace a future with less traffic and reduced greenhouse gas emissions as TOD encourages diverse transportation modes.

• 🏡 Increasing Housing Supply: Imagine more housing options with mixed-income and mixed-use developments near transit stations, making living spaces more inclusive and affordable.

• 🤝 Enhancing Quality of Life: Envision a Hawaii where everyone, regardless of age or background, enjoys improved access to jobs, education, health care, and recreation.

Join us in this visual exploration of a Hawaii transformed by Transit-Oriented Development. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode and others on the Imagine Pacific YouTube channel. Let's shape a more connected and sustainable future together. #TransitOrientedDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #FutureOfHawaii #IMSPARK 🌍