I once worked with a manager who made the following statement: “Toastmasters does not teach you anything about management”. Well, I allowed him to think he was right for two reasons: Firstly, it did not teach him anything about management, because he did not do his job as the Secretary of the Club when he was supposed to serve on the committee and secondly, Toastmasters is all about leadership. You can manage inventory, but you lead people…

So above all, being a club officer teaches you about your own leadership style, how to exercise your leadership style in an environment where you have no authority or influence and how to help your fellow club officers discover their styles.

You will also find out how others would like to be lead, because leadership is not a “once-size-fits-all” package deal. What works for one person, might not be of much value in terms of leadership for the next. So your challenge would be to adapt your style based on the individual you’re dealing with.

The final reason to take on a club officer role is to build your confidence whilst mastering a new skill. You’ll have ample opportunities to practice, practice, practice your leadership skills, including aspects such as conflict resolution, time management and critical thinking. This will enable you to market yourself as someone who not only knows about these skills, but has also put them into practice.

Toastmasters International allows you to learn leadership in a safe and fun environment. The process starts at club level and the ideal is to work your way up from Sergeant at Arms to Club President over a number of years. Along the way you will discover your unique leadership skills that will enable you to market yourself as valuable in any other environment, because leaders are generally considered more valuable than those who follow.

Amanda M^c Menamin

TLI Trainer