Yoga at the Beach
The Leader is the boss, Right? It is funny that we think so, but certainly for Toastmasters I would disagree.
A good leader is part of a team, perhaps someone that the team is looking toward for guidance, and leadership by example.
The previous Area 38 District 21 Governor certainly illustrates that principle of leadership by example. Friendly, positive comments and encouragement and all the while she continued doing speeches from manuals and supporting clubs in her District. Last year while being involved with a Spring Conference in a leadership role, and being an Area Governor, she also achieved Distinguished Toastmaster. My hat is off to you Jodi!
So what makes a good leader so successful? Honesty is one area but that honesty is tempered by kindness and sensitivity. A leader also can not be shy.
A leader must ask for what they want, the worst is that they will get a no, but more often they will obtain Yeses especially when the leader is doing more than lip service to achievement. Leaders lead by example best, when their sleeves are rolled up and they are not averse to actual work themselves and seen working! I must work at being that example, and encourage others by my behavior.
One of the neatest ironies of success coupled with committment is that almost universally results in satisfaction and more enjoyment. The Clubs who are organized, committed, and well-run with speeches from manuals each week are also the more FUN!
The Club members and leaders envision success together, and they make a plan together, and execute the plan together. Fun, and achievement are a direct result, and as you can imagine guests just want to join when they feel and see an organized club. Who wouldn’t want to be successful and have a enjoyable time doing so?
I am one person in a role of Leadership in Area 38 this year. I envision success for all four clubs and that success will be the direct result of creativity and enthusiasm from everyone in all four clubs, including myself. It all starts with a vision to succeed and all of us together making that plan to success, and following that plan.
Confidence
Life and Random Thinking 
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Excellent and well-said! This is just the philosophy of leadership I’m striving to follow!
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Thanks Dan, I appreciate your input and feedback! David Folstad dfolstad58.wordpress.com
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Thank you so much, Dave, it is nice to be recognized! I couldn’t have achieved this designation without the help of Toastmasters like yourself that have been there to support, applaud and offer suggestions for improvement. I am looking forward to a terrific year with you “at the helm” of Area 38! ~ Jodi Bird…wait for it….DTM!!!!
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I always thought that being the/a leader meant being in charge, but now I realize that it doesn’t have to be that way! I love this idea.
“So what makes a good leader so successful? Honesty is one area but that honesty is tempered by kindness and sensitivity.”
When I think back to the most effective leaders in my life, they are the ones that have been honest in their feedback, but have sandwiched it in kindness and sensitivity. So good…so good.
Thanks for writing!
staceyaltamirano.com
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Thank you for checking out that post, and commenting. Sometimes people shy away from feedback but if we instead see it as a gift to show us how to improve then we can appreciate feedback and learn. Of course feedback is especially welcome when you know the giver is interested in your growth and not just being critical. I like that idea of honesty being tempered with kindness that is why in Toastmasters feedback is given in a sandwich method often, something you can improve on sandwiched between two things you are doing well.
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