Page 18 - voices-2023-04

FROM THE DESK

PARETO PRINCIPLE AND LEADERSHIP

Appyling the 80/20 rule to Toastmasters

Dave Bones, DTM - Club Growth Director

The motto for Toastmasters International, “Where cheerleader.” This involves less one-on-one time
Leaders Are Made.” is a powerful phrase and easy compared to the first tactic. Facilitating more

to remember. Consider these related questions team meetings for checking in, problem solving,
that may not be as immediately evident. How are and collaborative contribution can be an effective
Toastmasters leaders made? How can we best set alternative for developing and supporting your
our budding leaders up for success? team of leaders.

I have found these two questions to be critically The third, and final aspect for supporting
important for every Toastmasters leader. I am the leaders is using Pareto's principle, the 80/20
first to admit that I do not have all the answers. I rule. In this case, it refers to prioritizing and
believe that within Toastmasters, we learn together. communicating the 20 percent of tasks and skills

Through interacting, listening, and collaborating, needed for the leadership role, providing 80
I am grateful to have noticed a combination of percent of the value, while de-emphasizing or
unified principles I believe can enhance the growth leaving out the rest.
and success of fellow Toastmasters leaders. Hypothetical examples using the 80/20 rule

The first tactic for offering leadership support for Toastmasters leaders:
can be denoted as “relationships.” It has been Club President:
said that once people know that you care about • Interpersonal Communication:
them, they will also be more inclined to care • Leading and motivating Executive

about what you have to say and are teaching. This Committee (your club officers)
includes consistently helping with skill-building, • Opening and closing regular meetings with
answering general questions, and being a good enthusiasm
listener. Also, having fun and keeping a sense of • Conflict management if needed

humor are musts! • Main contact person with your Area
The trust and loyalty gained in this style can Director, as a member of the Area Council
also enable drawing out of the personal growth (see District Leadership Handbook)
interests of the leader being supported, to then • TI Club Mission Statement as a guide

combine with the leadership role expectations. • Understand Distinguished Club Program
Another tactic for supporting leaders is to give and Club Report:
them space to grow into their role. In this style, • Education, Membership, Training,
it might be described as both an “advisor and a Administration Goals

18 ONE COMMUNITY