Page 30 - May 2019 Voices

LOCKE ON LEADERSHIP

Are You Committed?

Patrick Locke, DTM

Toastmasters is a training organization. “know how” to amplify effective execution.
Everything we do at every level has an element This process begins at the club level. The skills
of training attached to it. For the organization to we learn and develop in Toastmasters are directly
operate successfully, club officers must develop transferable to every job and executive position

leadership skills. Developing equals training. out in the world. There are no exceptions. No
It is important that club officers be trained. matter what you do for a living, you will gain
This includes a commitment to attendng TLI effectiveness from a Toastmaster experience if
and additional training opportunities offered you apply yourself. The more you apply yourself,

by the district. Every element of training will the more valuable you will become in the job
help you increase your effectiveness at the club and business market.
level, at your job, at your business, and within How do you do that? How do you apply
your family. The more I understand the more I yourself to gain those skills? In my opinion,

engage. The more I engage the more fun I have. that is why you joined Toastmasters! You didn’t
The more fun I have with the people I meet, the join just to have somewhere to go after dinner
higher the quality of my life experience. on a week night or get up at 4:00 am to be at a
When I truly decided to change my leadership meeting at 6:05 am, did you? Well, nether did I.

style, I had to evaluate my skills as a leader to Maximizing your experience in Toastmasters
gain a more in-depth awareness of my current requires engaging in the full program—both
abilities, strengths, and skills. I needed to education as well as leadership development.
understand how to become a more effective Any organization with a desire to succeed needs

leader in today’s environment. Most of all I leadership development. The reason why you
needed “know how.” are here is your motivation, inspiration, and
When it comes to learning anything new, your why to fully engage the program in a fun
you need “know how” to develop the ability to experiential way. I remember when Darren

effectively get things done. I look at the learning LaCroix, at the 2014 Fall Conference, talked about
sequence in this way: impact to create awareness, getting up and talking as much as we could and
repetition to increase understanding, and to always be ready to present a talk. I took what
practice to achieve results. Thereby developing he said to heart. Now I am always prepared to

30 ONE COMMUNITY