At the Fall Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) on Saturday October 26, Joanne McDowall delivered a fabulous presentation on club coaching. “Club Coach – the Agent of Change”. Joanne outlined pretty much everything you need to know about, well, being a club coach. Since I had already committed to writing an article about that topic for the District blog, I decided to embrace the opportunity to share my experience as a club coach so far this year.
In the interests of full disclosure, I am working to complete another DTM before Pathways kicks into full gear – and club coach/mentor/sponsor is one of the things I need to achieve that goal. But that is not why I am one of two club coaches for Daytimers Toastmasters Club. Partly it was because I believe we grow as communicators and leaders when we take on opportunities to share our skills and our strengths with others. The more we help out, the stronger we all will be, especially the clubs in District 64. The bonus, as I discovered, is it’s fun — and you also get a shiny new Club Coach pin. Cool!
After only a few months, I’ve been able to:
1 – Observe and support – It’s tempting to walk in and “should” all over a club, but by patiently observing what they already do, and asking the executive how I can help, I’ve been able to suggest a few things they may not have already thought about. For example, putting executive names and positions on the agenda, and also adding time to the agenda to talk about the Distinguished Club Program. Thanks, Del.
2 – Coach by example – When asked to take on a role on the agenda, whether it’s as speaker or evaluator, or whatever else they need, I use all the tools at my disposal to show what I think that role could be. For example, delivering a speech that ties into the theme, using full names, and highlighting ways to set up the space to suit a particular speech. Thanks for signing me up, Ardythe.
3 – Listen and learn – Because each club runs their meetings differently, it’s amazing what little tips you can pick up simply by listening. For example, the Table Topics Master has three helpers – Table Topic Evaluator, Timer and Grammarian. Makes sense, but I’m not sure I’ve ever really thought of it that way. Thanks, Michael.
4 – Connect with others – Going outside your own club allows you to connect with other people and their ideas, and discover a world of possibilities. For example, I now know about all the craft events coming up, as well as the distinction between “create” which refers to the art form and “craft” which refers to the sale. Thanks, Don.
5 – Applaud and celebrate – Daytimers has four new members – the result of their own efforts – which means more people can take advantage of everything that club has to offer. And the most recent meeting gave me an idea for applauding the club’s success. Thanks, everyone.
All these things might seem small or obvious, but being at and participating in meetings goes a long way toward building rapport and setting the stage for others to become involved.
Are you looking for an additional opportunity this year?
Then why not sign up as a club coach? There are many fantastic clubs out there that need more members or new ideas or someone to help them grow the club they know and love.
If you’re not sure you’re up for it, you can always team up with and learn from someone already on board. Clubs can have up to two coaches, and as Del Duffield and I can attest, that will definitely pay dividends for whichever club you’re assigned to.
Whether your club needs a coach or you want to be a coach, contact Club Coach Coordinator Joanne McDowall, or suggest to her someone you think might bring something extra to your club this year. That’s the other reason I became a club coach. Thanks, Dallas.
Everyone benefits when you embrace the opportunity to be a club coach. When you reach out and share your skills, experience and time, not only will you help your fellow Toastmasters, but you will also enhance your speaking and leadership skills, and take something back to your own club – in more ways than one.
Jenny Gates has two DTMs, and is a member of A.S.A.P., as well as Area 62 Director, co-mentor (with Stephen Clark) for Winnipeg Peace Builders, and co-club coach (with Del Duffield) for Daytimers.