Page 38 - 2017 August Voices

Lessons of Leadership

by William Thomas, Jr - Guest Contributor, Florida

Did you know that to their needs. People like to be part of the
there is a proper way solution. This gives them a sense of ownership.
to display the U.S. Toastmasters has taught me five traits to
flag near a podium? look for in great leaders: 1) honesty, 2) sensitive
According to the to member needs, 3) kind when giving and
American Flag Protocol receiving feedback, 4) a great listener, and 5) a
website “The flag of the “big picture” person. If you look for these traits
United States of America should hold the position in your next club officers, your club will grow
of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and be successful.
and in the position of honor at the speaker’s right as Serving as the Sergeant at Arms so long ago
he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed placed me on the leadershp path. Since then I’ve
should be placed on the left of the speaker (to the held club officer roles in several clubs, and am
right of the audience).” currently a club officer and sponsor of the soon-
I remember the first time I served as the
Sergeant at Arms for Gelfand Good Morning to-charter online club, Witty Birds Beginners.
Toastmasters in Hollywood, Florida. I had No matter where I travel or what clubs I
placed the U.S. Flag on the left side (the wrong join, I always share that lesson I learned as the
side) of the podum. Thankfully, one of our club Sergeant at Arms: “the U.S. Flag is placed in the
members showed me my error. Wow—I couldn’t position of honor at the speaker’s right as he
believe I’d messed up on my first assignment! faces the audience.”
That lesson was one of the first I’d learned as Finally, I leave you with my favorite motto:
a club officer. There have been many others of Live, love, serve others to the best of your ability,
course over the years. I‘ve learned that leaders and you will be an amazing Leader!!!!
set the pace for the club. I’ve also learned that William Thomas, Jr. has been a member of 12
asking for help is a sign of a smart leader. different Toastmaster clubs at one time. He is currently
Face it, you can’t do everything yourself. Ask a member of Broward Bilingual Toastmasters,
members for ideas to help the club grow. Be Competitive Communicators online, Witty Bird
open to input from club members and sensitive Beginners online, and Gelfand Good Morning
Toastmasters. He has served in multiple club roles
over the years.

38 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 JULY, 2017