Lessons Learned

After paying attention to the issues surrounding Proposal A the last five months and commenting them on LinkedIn and my Facebook page, I’m sure you want my opinion of this.  I’ve been reading both the pros and cons of the issue, hearing from those who have criticize the proposal as well as those from Toastmasters [...]

The debate regarding Proposal A and other recent issues from Toastmasters International rages on, in particular on the LinkedIn Toastmasters International Members group, which even had two International Directors actively participating.  For the most part, the debate was very civil and those who have issues with the proposed changes came away with a lot more [...]

Last week at the last Arlington Heights club meeting, I was elected to serve as the club’s Vice President of Public Relations for the 2009-2010 year.  I never served in that position before, in fact the only other club officer position I never served is Treasurer, which will likely continue as many newer members who [...]

Most of us joined Toastmasters to work on our weaknesses, whether it is to simply speak in front of people, giving a speech without fainting, responding to an impromptu question or giving an constructive evaluation.  For many who never served in a leadership position for any company or organization or find it intimidating, Toastmasters is [...]

The recent arrest of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich uncovered plenty of his leadership flaws, some of which reminded me of the problems I have seen in District 30.  Not respecting other people’s views unless it matched their view of the world.  Picking pet projects while ignoring higher priority issues.  Showboating instead of addressing problems and [...]

One thing that did not surprise me today when I attended the District 30 Winter Toastmasters Leadership Institute is that the team put together by the TLI Dean includes a couple who are current Division Governors, each holding two major positions.  One Division Governor was the Assistant Dean and Publicity Chair, the other was the [...]

Even though I’ve been using this blog to express my own views about Toastmasters, some of which may be controversial, I’ve been reluctant to go in detail various incidents that could get my blood boiling, as the blog is public material that could be used as a weapon against the entire Toastmasters organization, which has [...]

No, I’m not returning to a role in District 30.  I was recently elected to the board of the Chicago chapter of the American Singles Golf Association, which I mentioned in one of my earlier blog entries.
During September I was asked by a few people, including the current Chapter President, about taking on an officer [...]

Last Wednesday I went to Park West in Chicago to see King Crimson, the progressive rock group which is currently on a short U.S. tour to celebrate its 40th anniversary.  There were many versions of the group spreading throughout the 40 years, with only one constant member in Robert Fripp.  In fact by 1972 with [...]