It’s Never Too Early to Begin Developing the Next Leaders
If
there is one thing that I’ve learned during my term as a Division
Governor, it’s the importance of implementing leadership development
at the onset of the term. You cannot wait until March or April to begin selecting
members to serve as an Area Governor or a club officer for the next term. Why?
In
my search for leaders, I discovered disappointingly that, by April, many of
our members had already made plans for the following term, like going back
to school to earn an advanced degree, getting married, or having a family.
I realized then the importance of starting early to identify those members
who would be available and to begin establishing a rapport with them. Planning
and identifying leaders early on is essential to finding sufficient and capable
leadership to continue a successful succession of leadership.
This term, I’ve experienced the painful lesson of not having a full team of Area Governors. It has meant not being able to provide optimum support to some of our clubs. I’ve had to ask past Division officers, such as Kent Jones, Hugh Scheffy, and Ben Bartlett, to step in to fill the gap. They have helped out immensely, but this is a temporary solution. Clubs need the direct support of an Area Governor, someone who can make a positive difference throughout the term by serving closely as the extension arm of the District. I appreciate why Toastmasters International designed its leadership structure in the manner it has.
Develop Leaders by Showing Appreciation for Your Members
As I have tried to find solutions to identifying and preparing future leaders, I’ve also come to value the importance of Toastmasters High Performance Leadership program. Revisiting the six Dimensions of Service Leadership in the HPL program has become a great source of encouragement as well as an admonition for me!
As I study the leadership manual and meet with my committee, I again realize the immense value of developing leadership by showing appreciation for our members. I am reminded that our members want to be shown appreciation and recognized for their contributions. As psychologist William James said, “The deepest craving in human beings is the need to be appreciated. Everyone, no matter how sophisticated, educated, or mature, wants respect and recognition.”
I know our members thrive on appreciation and recognition, like the flowers thrive on sunshine. It’s a gift, and, when given, it comes back in surprising ways! And it is working, because three of our members have already taken the step forward and agreed to serve as Area Governors next term. Members Joy Hodges, Maria McHolland, Teri Deibert-Nash, and Vic Andresen have said yes to serving as Area Governors in Division B!
Leadership development is about contributing to other people’s development, along with our own. Leadership development provides members with learning experiences and challenges that help them to grow as individuals. I utilize our Area Governors and club officers at our Division Council meetings as a means of developing their presentation skills and making them feel an important part of the Division B team. Last year when I was asked by Past Division B Governor Arvee Robinson to give presentations at our Council meetings, it was immensely valuable for my development. Most important, however, it made me feel that I was an important part of the Division B team.
I could go on about the value of High Performance Leadership and leadership development, but, suffice it to say, it is a great program that compliments the lessons to be learned in the Toastmasters leadership experience. Toastmasters’ leadership development is a remarkable program, which is why I intend to make it a lifelong endeavor!
So, if you want members to say yes to your leadership request, then start early and follow through with those time-tested principles of service leadership–development, showing appreciation, and persuasion at all times and in all ways. And I know that our members will appreciate being asked to serve; but don’t wait too long.