Leadership is an important component of the Toastmasters Educational Program. The Leadership Track provides members with a structured pathway to learn to lead with practical practice.
Yet many debated, “Are leaders made or born??” Many researchers tried to answer the question for decades and the debate goes on and on….
My personal journey as a leader was rather accidental than intentional. It happened several years ago when our International Director 2008-2010, Poh Kim Siong DTM offered to send me home and we strike up conversation in the car that changed my life. He encouraged me to come forward to serve the District as a Division Governor, having seen some of the stuff I was doing in Toastmasters. I never looked back when I finally made up my mind after a few other coffee sessions and persuasive talk.
As I reflected upon my own experiences, leaders can be made in the process of encouragement and “talent-spotted” by experienced ones. The only intentional leadership journey that I embarked on was to become the Charter President of The Frontier Toastmasters Club, a club which I personally founded with Chay Wen Liang, Janelle Ho and PDG Christopher Teo DTM.
Toastmasters can make leaders. Toastmasters can help you to become the leader you never thought you will be. The new term has just started and there are many opportunities for you to develop and polish your leadership skills. In fact, simply start doing projects in the new improved Competent Leadership manual allows you to acquire leadership skills in a step by step approach. Participate in organising club/area/division speech contests are effective methods to becoming an effective leader in a friendly environment.
I encourage you to take every opportunity to become a leader. Work with a trusted mentor on projects valuable to your club/area/division to gain the experience of leading a team. Great Leaders can be Made… and it starts with you!
Go for it! Go For Greatness!
(PS: This article first appear in my first issue of monthly/bi-monthly newsletter, talking about leadership. You can view the full newsletter here.)
Measurable Leadership 