Core Strengths
These are the strengths that I bring to the table every day.
-
We can’t build strong relationships with either teammates or users on unsteady ground. We need to be honest, fair, and clear.
Authenticity comes from within, rather than from external sources, which can make it difficult to describe. However, when team members act authentically—without hesitation and free from the fear of judgment—the outcomes are often exceptional.
-
Believing that one has a solution to every problem or assuming we’ve explored every possibility can indicate a closed mind.
It is valuable to seek more information, learn, adapt, and refine solutions at every step. However, it's crucial that, while considering all perspectives, we do not hesitate to take action when faced with complexity.
-
Miscommunication is common, especially when a conversation feels more like a monologue than a dialogue. When we speak to someone, there is always a chance they may misunderstand our words.
When we speak with someone, engaging in a dialogue allows us to establish a shared understanding. A shared understanding is fundamental to collaboration. In such interactions, we can both speak and listen, ensuring that our perspectives are respected.
-
Stagnant. Stalled. Paralyzed. These words have no place in today’s world.
When facing a challenge, one may need to follow a common set of standards, strategize a new set of standards, or in a state of chaos, take action. Either approach can mean taking initiative. Initiative counterbalances change, which is vital in today’s society.
-
While I appreciate the importance of moving quickly and staying curious, it’s essential to recognize that rushing without proper coordination can lead to significant problems.
No matter how tired we may feel, the complexity of a project, or how unclear a task might be, we must prioritize organizing our thoughts, processes, tasks, and habits. A little organization can help us navigate through chaos with greater confidence.
-
I’m not talking about a lengthy, meticulously planned strategy that takes 3-6 months to execute.
Instead, I mean being informed enough to move forward with confidence. It’s about connecting with the target audience to understand their challenges and anticipate their needs.
This approach embodies what I call "Benergy": it can be as much as the project requires or as little as it needs.
Testimonials
-
"…Ben worked tirelessly with end users, system engineers, information designers, software engineers, testers and support personnel to realize a consistent, high quality user experience throughout the entire application. His enthusiasm, zeal, technical skills, and people skills were invaluable in ensuring the successful design, development and delivery"
Dr. Sridhar Natarajan, Systems Engineer, General Dynamics C4 Systems
-
"…you can give Ben as little or as much direction as you have time to give, and he will create something far beyond your expectations, whether it's a logo, an interface design, a conceptual model, a presentation, or anything else you might need."
Lauren Holt, Senior Designer, General Dynamics C4 Systems
-
"His leadership within the team helped everyone ramp up, integrate, and collaborate quickly."
Charles Slacker, Systems Engineer, General Dynamics C4 Systems