Yow Kia

Very often, we congratulate others upon their certain achievements. Have you ever congratulated yourself on what you have done that made you proud of?

1st July of 2007, this day marked the new chapter of my life. My life as a leader… From 1st July of 2007 until 30th June of 2008, I will be leading a team of 20 members, fulfilling our dream to becoming an effective communicator. Starting from 1st of July 2007, if I were to introduce myself to someone in a Toastmasters Club, I will be saying “I’m KIA, the president of The Frontier Toastmasters Club.” Wow… It’s been a really long time that I have not been a President of a club. The last time I was a president was in year 1999. During that time, I was the president of my high school symphonic band.

I remember during last year when I was promoted as the Vice-President of Education (VPE) of The Frontier Toastmasters Club, I didn’t have much feeling. I was not proud of myself. In other words, I felt that I was not qualified for that position. I always felt that I was there because there must be someone to fill in the gap. That’s the reason I was ASSIGNED to be the VPE.

This time round, I want to make a change of my thinking. I want to exert my power to bring the club to a higher level. I think I am lucky, because in this year, my executive committee is quite strong. I was amazed by the commitment that they have put in to make the 1st Executive Committee meeting a successful one. I must applaud for their commitment. (Clap… Clap… Clap…)

I tried to reflect what I mistakes that I had done in the past as a leader. In this term, I want to improve!

Here are the main mistakes that I had done:
1) High-ego: I was quite high-ego last time. I always thought that I’m the best in my committee. During discussion, whatever decision made, it’s all my decision. No other decision could be accepted by me. I always did almost everything by myself – publicity, publication, webmaster, marketing… It ended up that I was a very busy president and my team members were too free and not benefited during their time as a committee.
2) Procrastination: I had big plans, big visions. However, I always delayed the process. A lot of plans that I planned to execute, at the end, the plans were disappearing. In short, TALK-ONLY-NO-ACTION.

I really have to admit that I didn’t perform a good job as a leader last time. It’s always not too late to make a change, I told myself.

I think I’m now quite a systematic guy compared to the past. Therefore, I will list down the things that I should pay attention to while serving as a president.
1) Work as a team: I must know how to delegate appropriate tasks to my team. Each person may have different strength. Make use of their strength to add value to the team.
2) To trust my committee: I have to trust my committee’s capability. Whatever tasks that are assigned to them, just let them do their best. Guidance will be provided if necessary.
3) Take action: Whatever plan that we have planned, actions must be taken. Don’t try to drag the plan. Come out with a to-do-list and keep track on all the plans progress.
4) Be a role model: Use my action to influence and inspire my members. Once I have asked them to do preparation for the meeting, I, myself have to do it too.

This is indeed a very good learning process… I urge you all to be a leader if you are given an opportunity.