Page 22 - voices-2023-05
P. 22
THOUGHTS FROM THE SIDELINE
The Toastmasters Work Ethic
Eldred Brown, DTM, IPDD
Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly
~ Robert F. Kennedy
In the 14 years I’ve been in Toastmasters, I’ve remind yourself daily that “if it is to be, it
identified a unique work ethic that has made is up to me.”
many people successful in Toastmasters, in
their careers, and in life. I call it the Toastmasters 2. Seek challenges
Work Ethic. Consistent with the triads we love Don’t be afraid to take on challenges that
to use in our speeches, I have organized my appear too big for you at first. You will
analysis of this work ethic into three main tasks. receive guidance from those who have taken
They do follow a sequence of sorts, so it works on the challenges before you. Listen to their
best to apply these sequentially. advice and follow their recommendations.
You don’t have to know what to do as long
1. Take charge of your growth as you surround yourself with mentors
You are responsible for your growth, who do. Don’t be afraid to fail or to make
personally, in Toastmasters, and in your mistakes, for in failures and mistakes you
career. Do not expect other people to take will see opportunities to grow.
charge of your growth for you. You know
best what you want to achieve and what 3. Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from
you need to do to achieve it. Others can them
offer you valuable insight on what lies on Let’s face it. If you seek challenges and risk-
the road ahead of you and on strengths you taking challenges that are too big for you,
have but don’t know yet, but only you have you will make mistakes. You will embarrass
the power to decide what to do with those yourself at times. I’ve embarrassed myself
insights. Take responsibility for yourself and a few times. What defines you, though, is
22 ONE COMMUNITY
