Creating Leaders “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt The month of May is a time when most districts are having their Spring Conferences. It is also a time to select next year’s leaders at all levels from clubs to the district. Leadership track is the other pillar of Toastmasters’ arch of Communication and Leadership program. From my experience it is also the less understood and appreciated of the two. The Leadership programs that TI brought out last year should go a long way to address this imbalance. We live in an age when the traditional pyramid of hierarchy is flattening out. In the process, there will be a greater demand for leaders, from the family unit to various aspects of our global society to help solve the problems of our increasingly complex and inter-related world. Chances are, Toastmasters around the world are already performing leadership roles in some capacity or other, and those who are not definitely will be called upon someday. Like service , “It is rent we pay for being on this earth.” Toastmasters is a great play ground to practice and learn the art of leadership. We do this by performing the various roles from club meetings to district leadership. An assignment as humble as ah counter or timer is also an exercise in leadership. A timer, performed effectively, is critical to the time management and success of a meeting. A session master is the conductor and leader of that segment of the program. Even though we are mostly unaware of it, in each of the meeting role we are in effect exercising leadership. For those who do not see themselves as leaders be surprised to the fact that you have been. By DOING what leaders do, you HAVE what leaders have; and in the process you have BECOME a leader. That is the genius of our Toastmasters program. From that awareness it is only a small step to serve as club officers and another step to district officers. In the process, step away from yourself like a guardian angel looking with reflective interest at how you lead, your leadership style, strengths and weaknesses. Or if are serving under others leadership be cognizant of how you respond to different leadership styles; what inspires you to work for them and what turns you off. It is an opportunity to learn about yourself and your own leadership style. Better yet, you can greatly enhance this learning by combining your leadership experience with Toastmasters’ High Performance Leadership. In my view the HPL is a brilliant program that will set you well on your leadership track. By all means seize the opportunity to serve and discover the leader in you. When you do you will have your future and dream in your hands. ~ George Yen, DTM, Candidate for 2nd Vice President |