Innovations

Recognition and Toastmasters Part I

by Mai Lin C Chua

One of the most valuable leadership lessons – the importance of recognition – comes directly from participating in a typical Toastmasters meeting.

In Financial Management, we have several recognition tools which include QSTEP, LINQ, TOPS, Recognition Express, Bravo Awards, coffee cards, and thank you cards. In a Toastmasters Club, we also have recognition tools for our members including the following:

Awards and Certificates

If you are a long-time Toastmaster, you probably have a drawer full of ribbons. You might have ribbons for speaking, evaluating or Table Topics. In FM Toastmasters Club, we recognize our members who have completed their first ten speeches with Competent Toastmaster Certificates. Badges with the members’ names also come with these certificates. All Competent Toastmasters are also given two free advanced manuals to further their Toastmasters journey depending on which areas they’d like to excel in.

Awards and certificates can be a great way to tell people we appreciate their efforts. Awards and certificates are also a great way to show recognition, but they are only one of the ways Toastmasters teaches us to recognize people.

Applause

In a typical meeting, we learn to applaud enthusiastically for our fellow members. Where else could you expect to receive applause for providing a short answer to an impromptu question? In Toastmasters we even applaud people for giving feedback.

Imagine how a little more applause outside of Toastmasters might change your perspective. What if your children clapped when you did their laundry and your spouse applauded you on a well-prepared meal. Wouldn’t that make you feel better and wanting to work harder? In the same perspective, what if your co-workers gave you a standing ovation when you solved a difficult customer’s problem? Wouldn’t you find yourself trying just a little harder?

If you are like most Toastmasters, you love receiving applause. Receiving applause acknowledges your contribution. It demonstrates that you have provided something of value or achieved something significant.

Recognition and Toastmasters Part II will focus on the other recognition tools such as Feedback and Opportunity. Please stay tuned for the next article in the Autumn issue of New Directions.

FM Toastmasters Club holds its summer meetings every other Tuesday from 12 noon to 1 pm at Schmitz Rm. 170. Please come and join the fun!