Page 11 - May 2019 Voices

TRANSCENDING YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Why Do We Transform?

John Rodke, DTM - District Director

Toastmasters is an interesting program. We this is not only for Toastmasters. What is really
elect leaders to give them the opportunity to help amazing about our program, is this is the time
support our members, and to personally grow in we can transform into mentors. This new role
the process. Every one of us who has stepped into lets us share our knowledge, and help the next

leadership positions within our organization goes leaders thrive. The following can help you do so.
through this. Taking on club meeting roles such I have a request for you. Conduct a Roses,
as Toastmaster, helps us grow on a small scale, Thorns, and Buds exercise about your tenure
and see positive results. Beyond the meeting, as a leader. On one page (or more if you’d like),

club and district officer roles offer growth over write down:
a whole year. We start as someone with a certain 1. Roses: The things that went well and
knowledge base, and we transform into someone moments you enjoyed during your term.
else, a leader with vastly expanded experiences Celebrate them!

and capabilities. This transformation reminds 2. Thorns: The challenges you faced, and
me of one of my favorite insects, the butterfly. the things that did not go well, and what you
These amazing creatures create a chrysalis. learned from them. Lessons learned with our
Within, the pupa (pretty close to pupil) undergo 20-20 hindsight.

a transformation into something completely 3. Buds: The ideas you had, wish you would
different. The emerging butterfly launches forth have done, or started, and would like to see
and explores a much larger world than the one continued.
it once knew. I invite you to use your club and Pass this along to the person taking on your

our District as your chrysalis. Grow during your role next year. This is a learning tool. For you
leadership journey, and use this knowledge to and for them. They don’t need to follow it, but it
transform yourself and those around you. can be used to help them thrive and build upon
Many of our current leaders are emerging your efforts this year.

from their chrysalis and spreading their wings. Taking the time to complete this exercise
During fun conversations with presidents, can greatly help you accept what has happened,
directors, and other officers, I hear, and find reflect on how you have grown, and act as fuel
myself saying: “I am feeling like I am getting to help you launch into your next adventures.

the hang of this role. It’s fun now.” Does this I want to thank all of my fellow pupa/pupils
resonate with you? After these revelations, we this year. We have grown, learned, and are ready
usually say with a slight twinge of regret: “If I to mentor the next set.
could do it again, I’d do. . .” I am willing to bet Fly on fellow Leaders!

VOICES! | MAY 2019 11