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First anniversaries are special. They invariably cause us
to pause and to reflect upon what has been achieved in the first year,
and to consider what we might be capable of in the immediate year ahead
and beyond.
District 80 has crossed the threshold into its second
year. When we linger a moment to survey what we have done within the
term of IPDG Gea Ban Peng, we realize that there is a great deal to be
proud of. Our members have worked hard and achieved much. Your
commitment to your Toastmasters goals has made the leadership
responsibilities of District, Division, Area, and Club officers that
much easier, and that much more meaningful.
At this point of writing, we have exceeded our District
goals for ATM awards. More than 320 members have successfully completed
their CTMs. We have recruited many new members. We have formed 19new
clubs. And many clubs have achieved more than 5 goals they set for
themselves.
And now, I'd like to ask all of us the question: Where do
we go from here?
In trying to answer the question as I surveyed the
journey ahead, I chose the theme 'Achieving Excellence. Sharing
Success.' That encapsulates what I'd like us all to focus on
together in the year ahead. Let me explain why we should regard
this as more than just a theme; why we should embrace it as a code of
behaviour essential for success.
We became members of Toastmasters International because
we recognized it as an unmatched system designed for the
attainment of excellence by its members, and programmed for us to
succeed. Every step of the way to excel in our communication and
leadership skills is clearly laid out. Every aid needed for us to help
each other succeed is available. That probably is why we have manuals!
Aligning our personal or individual goals to these
standards starts off a logical, inevitable chain. Our personal success
leads to our Club's success. Our Club's success leads to that of our
Area, and thus our Division, and finally the District. Embracing this as
a consistent code eliminates the anxiety that we might not
achieve our goals. If we each played our part, how can we not succeed?
What Can We Do Specifically to Ensure Excellence & Share
Success?
At the two District Officers Training we've recently
conducted, I shared my belief & thoughts regarding the following:
PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
which must involve:
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Clearer articulation & understanding of our common goals
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Greater involvement of members and leaders
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Better monitoring of procedures, progress, and performance
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Greater accountability among members and officers
SHARING SUCCESS which will come
naturally when we:
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Make success attainable (e.g. through mentoring, workshops)
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Adopt a family approach (reducing & resolving conflicts
within clubs)
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Share winning solutions (Note: there is no TI quota on
achievements
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Applaud & acknowledge accomplishments (e.g. District-wide
publicity)
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Maintain respect for & leverage on diversity
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Implement a speedier 'timeliness'(avoiding rushing &
sacrificing quality)
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Share leadership (trusting & empowering members)
I'd like to emphasize one other very important point
related to excellence and success. Toastmasters International is a much
recognized and widely respected brand. All over the world, the
expectations people have of us are very high. As icons of the
Toastmasters movement, we need to be ever vigilant that we project
ourselves as good ambassadors.
As I look ahead, I am filled with tremendous optimism. We
have a great team who is raring to go. Leaders in Thailand, Hong Kong,
and Macau have agreed to greater sharing of their expertise with
Singapore Divisions, and vice-versa. We will build on the solid
foundation laid in IPDG Gea Ban Peng's term of office. We will stand on
the shoulders of past DGs who so generously continue to support us.
The prospect of many things to be achieved excites me
greatly. Our updated website will continue to grow to serve us better.
Our new District magazine, Impetus 80, will be another channel
promoting progress & communication. Plans for dialogues sessions are in
place. Blueprints for major activities are being finalized and will be
shared soon.
District 80 has a tremendous future. Let us ensure its
realization through:
Let us step boldly forward!
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