by David Preece

14/15 May 2010, Gold Reef City By David Preece, Division H Governor, 2009/2010. The applause have fallen silent, the fans have left the stadium and the game’s action becoming the stuff of history – Laduma, the 2009/10 MaxiCon is over. But what a page was written into history! Laduma lived up to all billing and expectation; all the Toastmasters I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed their Laduma experience and found again that every Toastmasters event is an opportunity for fun-filled growth and learning.

Lessons from the Key Note Speakers Ali Bacher shared lessons in leadership from his years leading the administration of South African cricket. - Passion and Commitment: being a leader is a full time job, 24x365; is about being available to all, staff and customers - Respect for all: he lived this, for example, by being sure to return all calls within 24 hours and answer all letters - Brevity (perhaps your Division Governor needs to take this to heart): he never looked at anything from his team that was longer than 2 pages (OK, my Division Report was more than the required page but still less than 2) - People are the life blood: look for every opportunity to grow and develop your people, providing them opportunities to take on different challenges. Show appreciation for all they do for you - Values: honesty, integrity (for him this means keeping your word at whatever cost), giving more than obliged to give, managing your emotions and maintaining propriety at all times as a public figure.

Gary Bailey entertained and informed us, throwing fuel on the 2010 Football World Cup fire, but also shared his thoughts on leadership based on his years spent with Sir Alex Fergusson, one of, perhaps the most, successful football managers of all time with Manchester United (apologies to sensitive Liverpool and Chelsea fans). - Take the knocks: it is easy to lead and perform in the good times, you worth is measured in the tough times - Build it on gratitude: adopting this attitude will keep you humble and help get through those tough times - Appreciation: he repeated the same message as Dr Bacher … must be important - Acceptance: remember that things go wrong for everybody - Build for the future: while delivering results now always ensure you are taking care of developing for the future - Maintain and grow energy: the four keys are health (diet and exercise), spirit (serve others), mind (clear focus) and emotions (stay cool, know your triggers)

And I suggest you quote Gary on this point: “Speaking is a skill that separates you from a lot of people”

Andrew Sekhu is an entrepreneur who is focussed on helping people to live their dreams. He defines success as balancing results in the areas of finance, relationships, health, self-esteem and spirit. The spirit is our core, underpinning mind, body and heart.

He has discovered that there are only three causes of failure: 1. Self doubt and a poor perception of reality 2. Lack of understanding of how the mind functions 3. Lack of inspiring goals

And if you expected fear to be on the list then note Andrew’s observation about fear: “Fear is caused by a lack of good thinking”

He is a man wise beyond his years, consider the following: “Leadership is the art of influencing people to achieve a particular goal” “It is impossible to dream an impossible dream” “We are all born creative, talented and intelligent”

“Fear is temporary, regret is forever”

He encourages us to discover our purpose at the confluence of our passion, talent, conscience and needs (of others) Contests The District finals of the Impromptu, Evaluation and International Speech contests are a highlight of MaxiCon.

Ryan Ebedes, Transformers, won the International Speech contest and will represent District 74 at the World Championships. We wish Ryan every success at the World Championships.