Page 36 - 2019 February
P. 36
SUCCESSFUL CLUB
Professionally Speaking
Toastmaster Clubs Cannot
Rest on Past Laurels (Part III)
Marv Serhan, DTM
When Marv Serhan was asked to write an article sharing Professionally Speaking’s secrets of success, little
did we know that a club model for success would be forthcoming. In Part 3 Marv addresses the final four
factors that have influenced the growth and sustained success of TM-3091 [Editor]
In a recent presentation, I shared a slogan to further reinforce how TM-3091 members strive
from my previous career as a Naval aviator to maintain quality in the functioning of their
in which my squadron emphasized that, “If club. Yet again as club president, I continue to
you are not having fun, you are not doing emphasize, “ . . . that regardless of an impressive
it right.” Translated, the word “fun” means track record of accomplishment, one cannot rest
“professionalism” which is essential to achieve on past laurels. Success requires constant focus
consistently superior results in the high-risk and attention to detail in how people, technology,
business of flying fighter aircraft off and onto and processes are integrated to achieve a desired
aircraft carriers. As an aviator, there was no room outcome. That integration of talent, tools, and
for error, complacency, inattentiveness, or lack procedures is as applicable to a Toastmaster club
of commitment to quality operational standards. as it is to any leadership challenge in a corporate
The pursuit of excellence is essential in Naval or governmental professional endeavor. For this
aviation to be professionalism in all related tasks. reason alone, one can see why the Toastmaster
“If you are doing it right . . . ” an aviator will be learning experience has so much to offer its
professional and mission success can be assured. membership.”
The other huge benefit is survival; they live to Following are four more factors that are
fly another day. prioritized in the management of Professionally
The Speaking Professionally vision statement, Speaking TM-3091:
“To pursue excellence in communication and
leadership training,” very much aligns with that The Ultimate Objective is to Ensure
mindset of having fun (professionalism) and doing Organizational Learning through Knowledge
it right (achieving success). In this final Part III Sharing
summary, four additional factors will be outlined The coaching program as outlined in Part
36 ONE COMMUNITY
