In Toastmasters, the problem is ever the same: how do we find leaders to sustain our Clubs, Areas, Divisions and Districts? The answer is both strikingly simplex and simultaneously complex. The potential leaders are all around us! We know them from our clubs, or we meet them at a speech contest or other District function.
But how do we find “the good ones”? How do we figure out who will make a good leader? Or can a leader be developed from any starting position? And what is leadership development?
I don’t have all the answers, but I hope to put the problem into perspective. Most people don’t naturally think of themselves as leaders, so they will be afraid to volunteer. Most of our members come to Toastmasters to lose the fear of speaking in public, and never give leadership a thought. The course of action, then, is two-fold:
- to observe people, to look for those behaviors that indicate they can naturally lead others; and,
- to involve as many people as possible in leadership positions and tasks, no matter how minor.
What should you look for in a potential leader? Watch who comes early to the meeting and offers to help setup. Who leads the applause in the club? Who is first to speak with a guest? Who is taking personal responsibility not only for their own success as a Toastmaster, but also for the success of the club? Who is willing to make flyers, to call absent members, to help out in any way? These are the people who are just waiting to be asked to be a leader. It’s up to you – ask them!
But what about those people who don’t fit into the mold described above? Start by getting them involved in club operations. Ask them to help with the newsletter or website. Ask them to serve as a greeter at meetings and events, making sure guests are welcomed and seated with a knowledgeable member. Ask them to serve on the audit committee, to help with a membership drive or contest, to help organize an open house or speech contest. Once they are comfortable with helping out, and they see that they have contributed and learned – and grown – then you can approach them with the suggestion that they should consider being a leader in the club or District. “Gosh, you really did a great job writing that article! I think you would make a fine editor for our newsletter!” Give lots of positive reinforcement and encourage them to continue stretching and growing in different ways.
Now, it’s your turn. Please give your input by submitting your comments to this post, in response to the questions below.
- How do you identify and manage your potential leaders?
- How do you plan for the individual development of prospective leaders?
- What tools do you use to develop leaders?
- How do you plan for succession?
- Do you have a mentoring program in place? Is it formal or informal, and how do you assess progress?
