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Teamwork

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

The new Toastmasters year is underway. Our District leaders are settling into
their new roles, learning the ropes, and beginning to reach out to the members. I
remember, as a new area director in 2010, that first day of directors training. I thought,
with horror, "What have I gotten myself into!" It didn't take long to realize that I
didn't have to eat that enormous, proverbial elephant in one meal. Yes, there were
a lot of expectations to meet and tasks to accomplish, but they happened over time.
The same learning curve happened in each District role though I never repeated the
initial epiphany of horror. As Division Director, I had four new area directors to help settle
into their roles. Each had their own skills and challenges. I was their support system, mentor
and coach. We collaborated on contests and area visits. We worked together to be successful.
At year end, we were a well-knit team because of the work we had done together.
Stepping into the Trio brought new focus, a broader vision, and a new set of challenges. It
was my role to support those who wanted to create new clubs, grow membership, and make
District 7 Toastmasters a household name. It was a whirlwind year with a steep learning curve,
plenty of membership and club growth, and success through teamwork. We chartered 13 new
clubs, met all our District goals, and ended the year as a Distinguished District.
As Program Quality Director, educational goals were of paramount importance. The
challenge was letting go of successful programs I implemented the previous year and focusing
forward. Two conferences, two TLIs, follow-up Club Officer trainings, and webinars throughout EDITORIAL
the year kept my team busy meeting member, club, and District goals. At the end of the year,
we realized we had accomplished what we set out to do, and we celebrated our team's success.
The District Director role taught me more about leadership than any other. It was about
learning my own strengths and weaknesses, and applying those lessons to help my team
be successful. I learned that teams need guidance not control. It was the end result that
mattered—not the road to the finish line.
In Toastmasters we are never left alone to flounder or fail.
There are always those who are willing to team up and guide us
towards success. I truly appreciate the value of teamwork. It is
the spine that supports the entire body of work required to be
successful. Even though the year is already underway, it's not
too late to reach out, become part of a team, and grow.

Volume 9 Issue 1 July 2022 Monthly Columnists 2022-23 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher Dave Bones, DTM District Director Janet Cerasin, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM David Freedman, IP3 Lorri Andersen, DTM
Eldred Brown, DTM Public Relations Manager
Senior Editor Harvey Schowe, DTM Program Quality Director Stephana Johnson, DL3
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Jim Robison, DTM
Jim Robison, DTM Club Growth Director
Associate Editor Ken Coomes, DTM Dave Bones, DTM Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Lee Coyne, ATMS Toastmasters. First issue published August
Lorri Andersen, DTM Finance Manager 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
voices@d7toastmasters.org
Paul Fanning, DTM Karen Semprevivo, DTM

VOICES! | AUGUST 2022 3