Guest post - Leading yourself
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
Steve Jobs
I think it was six year ago when I met Horațiu. It was my first Toastmasters Bootcamp, and I had no idea what to expect. I was like a sponge looking to absorb as much information as possible. I was part of a newly founded club where we were newbies in the organization and somehow everyone turned to me when it came to answers. So I took part in each and every one of the training sessions in order to become Toastmasters wiser! :) At one of the sessions Horațiu took the stage and he spoke about his experience in the club and in my eyes, he felt so confident and belonging to the group…I had still some time to become part of the group.
Years had passsed and last year we were part of the same team of directors for Romania and Moldavia. He was quick to help and offer support, and even he is kind of a lone wolf he always has a kind and supportive word to share. He will send you a message just to tell you you said something that mattered to him - making you feel special - that is Horațiu :). After this year’s Bootcamp he discovered an article written in 2016 one that was never published in Toastmasters Romania Magazine - so I asked him to share it with me and I will publish it here. He accepted the challenge for which I am grateful! :) The references are to the Legacy educational program.
Leading yourself by Horațiu Stănculescu
„Frustration can be a double-edged blade. As you grab hold of it, it cuts you. And as you start using it better and better, it aids you into slowly dissecting your life problems, layer by layer.
That frustration of a bad presentation led me to the most complete NGO that makes leaders and speakers for a living.
I first came here with an open minded curiosity. And it had astonished me because I was greeted warmly by one of the members, which later became my mentor. I had in front of me a group of people that could speak in public not only in Romanian, but also in English. I barely knew a thing or two about leadership or the techicalities or how to be a better speaker.
I started to take on techinical roles at first, and my “payment” was in giving one speech at every two months. I could fully enjoy their attention and wise words that were coming from the elders. I got to see them lead by example and manage their words splendidly!
Although the feedback was hard to digest for the first few months, these fellows were the kindest and most positive people that I have ever seen!
One year later, as I went through the two basic manuals, I started to focus more on the leadership track. And I did this after being elected as a Sergeant At Arms. As I was struggling to find the best possible meeting room for a meeting, I started to take roles every week. Becoming an officer made me into a more serious member. It helped me be more organised in my life as I was already responsible with the many materials of the club like roll-ups, evaluation forms, and badges.
Furthermore, as I gradually ascended on the staircase of the Competent Leadership manual, I got glimpses of what it`s like to be a leader.
As a young practitioner of medicine, in my job, there is little or no opportunity to build teams or get positive feedback. At best what you can do is lead yourself.
And as I emerged from the Toastmasters laboratory with some lessons learned, I applied them in real life. I am referring to time management skills when dealing with patients and throughout the entire day. As we do rotations in between hospitals, it is an opportunity to be the best team member there is. And all thanks to Toastmasters!
At the end of one of the modules, I gave written sincere, positive feedback for my colleagues. And what I have seen exceeded my expectations. It sparkled the sincerest reactions they could muster! I`ve seen tears of joy, child-like smiles, and even got warm hugs after that! In the workplace, we do not regularly have time for praising others for what they were, not for their work. And not expecting anything in particular for doing so.
Toastmasters is about helping YOU in giving something valuable to the world.
But how can you help Toastmasters help you?
A) Choose a mentor that makes it easy for you to feel understood.
B) Become a mentor, and strive to become the best version of yourself in order to lead him to success. If you can teach it, you will surely know it by heart. Also, the mentee will provide opportunities and questions. And by solving those, it stimulates your growth even further!
C) Take on a role in every meeting possible. The Easyspeak portal shows you if you haven`t filled a particular role in a long time. Keep in mind, we are here to learn, not to brag about being the best General Evaluator there is. There is an opportunity in every role, even if you consider yourself as a “veteran of the roles.”
D) Become a club officer. You have new specific responsibilities, past the regular club meetings. You have the opportunity to engage In a mastermind group for the benefit of the entire club.
E) Finally, take responsibility for your own actions. One evening, as a Sergeant I have had technical difficulties, that led to the meeting starting late. At the end of it, during my report as a General Evaluator, I acknowledged my mistake with dignity and I assumed it publicly. Integrity at it`s best.
I`ve come here to become a better speaker. And I remained in order to become a better leader.
Which one of those best fits your needs?
Horațiu Stănculescu, Competent Leader, Secretary of Toastmasters Cluj 2016”
Horațiu won so far the following educational awards: Advanced Leader Bronze, Advanced Communicator Bronze, owner of a Triple Crown (2016-2017).
He was Area Director D3 (2019-2020), and now he reached Level 1 Effective Coaching from Pathways.
Current Officer role: VPE of Toastmasters Sibiu, member of Toastmasters Cluj, and Toastmasters Suceava
