Here you can read Part 2 and Part 3
Introduction: The Weight of Leadership
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
If you’ve ever experienced an over-zealous new team leader or manager, you might have this phrase ringing in your ears. Learning leadership skills for new managers is challenging. Companies often promote staff before equipping them, leaving them to struggle with staff and responsibilities.
Toastmasters: A Safe Space to Learn Leadership
Toastmasters International public speaking club provides an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking seeking leadership tools and mindset in a safe environment. Additionally, mentors and members actively support and encourage participants instead of watching them. They can learn without fear of career-limiting mistakes or harming careers through poor line management. It’s not just about making toasts or speeches, it’s so much more.
I’m going to share my story with you as I hope to inspire you to consider that there is another way….
My Journey: From Corporate Struggles to Self-Awareness
I worked in the corporate world for over 20 years and witnessed many shocking, unprofessional incidents due to inexperience. A crucial factor for new leaders is self-awareness: understanding your impact on others and learning to listen first. Unfortunately, no one teaches people how to be a follower never mind a leader! At school, teachers told us to sit down, stay quiet, and follow instructions.
Consequently, it felt like all the doors were firmly shut.
Unconscious Incompetence: Learning the Hard Way
Before discovering Toastmasters, I had limited capability – I see that now – but at the time, I didn’t realise my own incompetence. I copied other team leaders, hoping they were good role models. This only perpetuated bad practice, inconsistency, and stressful staff conversations. Nothing improved, and formal training was limited. You were left to figure things out on your own. No one explained the coping mechanisms or expected behaviours, so I struggled to be effective and influential.
Mentoring: The First Step to Effective Leadership
After joining Toastmasters, I began learning leadership skills by taking on the role of Mentor. The role is very simple: two people meet monthly, and one helps the other achieve goals using their knowledge and experience. This experience taught me how to be a good listener. It taught me to remove myself from the equation – it’s not about me – it’s all about them. Through this, I honed my problem-solving skills while helping them navigate challenges.