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Division "A" - A is for Achievement

By Norm Stein, DTM, Division Governor

Abundant Opportunities

In psychology they call it the approach and avoidance syndrome. This refers to an activity that both attracts and repels you. The same goal has qualities that you find beneficial paired with other qualities that you want to avoid. In Toastmasters the opportunities for District Leadership give us an example of that type of conflict. In addition, there are other priorities that also place demands on your time.We know that Toastmasters is both a public speaking and leadership organization. However, the time demands of leadership are in conflict with the benefits of serving in a leadership position. Add to that the question that we all ask: Am I ready and able to lead others to achieve common goals that are intrinsic in a large organization?

Fortunately, Toastmasters has an answer for you, and it is yes. The yes takes the form of a graduated involvement that lets you test the waters of leadership activities that go beyond the club level. A good example would be the role of Assistant Area Governor (Asst. A. G.) This month the new District Leadership Officers who will assume office on July 1 are busily at work putting together their teams. This effort includes recruiting approximately 40 Area Governors and each one is encouraged to recruit their own Assistant Area Governor.What a wonderful opportunity to test the waters of District Leadership and to position oneself for an expanded leadership experience, if you find the position of Asst. A.G. a satisfying one. The time commitment is minimal, and the knowledge you acquire will be enlightening, perhaps career enhancing.

I will forever remember the presentation I heard a few years ago when a former International President attributed the last six career promotions he had received to the Leadership Training he received in Toastmasters.