A small newspaper article almost 15 years ago, was the catalyst in me getting my hubby to join this wonderful organization. And within the span of a few months, I saw this transformational change in him, bamboozled me. How could I lag behind? Within a year, I too joined the bandwagon and became a toastmaster.
The formative years were filled with dollops of energy, vim and enthusiasm as the excitement revelled. In course of time, I was assigned club leadership roles as the club Executive Committee deemed, and Lo! And behold, I took it in my stride and did my best with commitment and due diligence.
Slowly a strange feeling started seeping in. Why am I here? What’s in it for me? What do I want to gain for myself from this program?
These questions kept showing its ugly head every time I attended a meeting. And I kept nudging myself for the answers. Bewildered and confused, I tried all I could within my capacity to rack my brains, Alas they were all futile attempts
Time trickled by, I kept my commitment to myself to being a good toastmaster and nurturing clubs and members along with way. It was only when the pandemic struck, we are all by ourselves I began delving a lot more into finding my why for joining toastmasters.
I signed onto Pathways and I recollect one morning delivering my speech on finding your leadership style. As I researched into the different leadership styles, it was a whole new world for me. The different styles and the attributes associated with each style mesmerized me. And as I connected with these styles, I realized that some were part of my life’s journey as I donned several hats i.e. mom, wife, colleague and an aspirant team leader.
With the pandemic finally hiding it’s ugly head, hopefully into obscurity, strange revelations took birth.
As I connected with my work colleagues, I began adopting and adapting to these leadership styles, delegative, authoritative, transactional, visionary, coaching, situational and finally transformational. It was then I realized, the beautiful connect toastmasters and me had, a relationship built over the years that helped mould me into the person I am today.
Truly grateful to this organization for making me believe, Where Leaders are made.
And when my team members approach me expressing their gratitude for being the catalyst in their lives in their quest to be better human beings, I feel it’s a mission accomplished moment. It’s feels so similar to the dollops of energy, vim and enthusiasm I had as I see and feel the excitement revelled in their expression.
I have found the answer to the question that nagged me for so many years, I now know why I am here – a lightbulb moment that sparked after a long hiatus and I will keep the flame burning as long as I can
A twist to the poem – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening – Robert Frost
A Toastmasters journey is lovely and deep
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
