Learning to Lead…Summer Edition

Another Summer Leadership Institute has come and gone. We had some stellar presentations and a few that we will take away and work to make them so. We customized and tested curricula, we built new, we shared our experiences, and we let you share yours.

In general sessions, we continued to share about the next two leadership styles and how they fit within our Toastmasters journeys and lives. This leadership institute, we heard about Transformational and Servant Leadership. A couple of our attendees had this to say, “Loved the presenter’s thoughtful understanding of the concept and appreciation of it in professional and personal life” and “The materials were well researched, and time was provided to provide examples and have thoughtful conversations.”

Next up, we discussed the roles of coach and mentor; at the personal level as well as for a new or struggling club. Here is what you had to say, “This was a different take on the coach position. I had never thought of it in these terms of giving and how I receive the information” and “I think mentoring is important. Whether it’s for your club, job or any other organization in which you serve. I learned something new while attending this class from my fellow TM. I plan to implement these suggestions into my life.”

And lastly, a new Toastmasters curriculum for Club Success Plans. As I personally took this one on, I see so many areas for improvement and ways to make this a cornerstone of the District 66 training experience. Succinctly stated, a participant shared, “Good to know and reinforce the mission.”

Our Frequent Flyer Series continues to build on our club officers’ knowledge, skills, and tools. A couple quotes from our participants, “Great situational discussion for experienced Club Presidents and SAA” and “Great sharing of ideas, enthusiasm and honesty of the instructor.”

Our First Timer Series saw our instructors share the basics of the roles and responsibilities of each club officer for the most part as the Toastmasters provided curricula intended. A few comments, “Valuable information provided for FT officer,” “Easily understood, energetic, and helpful,” and “As a new VPPR, the course gave me a good sense of my duties and responsibilities.”

Let us all remember, as Toastmasters, we are public speakers who have challenged ourselves to become trainers; excellent trainers. Or as the motto of the education team states, “We don’t continue to do what has been accepted, we strive to create the excellence that is expected” with the operative word in this case, “strive”. Toastmasters is a learn-by-doing organization. While some come to the organization with a background in training, many are taking this on as a new goal. The education team will continue to support those who wish to excel as instructors and to strive for excellence.

For those of you who missed SLI, the first two weeks of August are packed full with what we call the COT Blitz; one more chance to attend a Frequent Flyer class and two more chances to gain the understanding of the basics as a First Timer. Area Directors, consider attending the classes for the roles for which you have not served in your club. Club Presidents, if you skipped one or a few roles, take in those classes. Any other club officer; looking to partner with a fellow officer? Or a member considering becoming a club officer, how about attending to find out just what it is that they are tasked to do.

At Toastmasters, as leaders, we are always looking to learn. I know the education team learns a lot from every training event and that instructors and facilitators gained valuable experience. We hope that attendees took away not only the information about their club officer role; but, also a sense of accomplishment in being a part of the development of others.

See you at the District Learning Institute,

Kathy Reynolds, Chairperson

The Education Team