Becoming the Dragon Warrior of Leadership

Have you heard about the Leadership Development Program? - What does this sound like? To people who have no clue about it, it sounds like one of these few online video tutorials and projects on how to develop your leadership. If you think so,

SIKE!

Nope. It’s so much better. Better how? For that let’s first understand the program.

What is LDP?

Ever looked at your Area Directors, Division Directors, District Directors, or District/Club Officers and wonder “How DO they do it?”. “What is their secret ingredient?”

It’s YOU. Your willingness to take part in LDP, is the secret ingredient - unlock your inner leader and develop the skills to lead with confidence and impact.

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a hands-on training initiative designed for Toastmasters to explore the intricacies of effective leadership.

Sounds interesting, but I have 0 experience in leadership. I’m just fascinated by it. Is it for me?

YES. Many members hesitate to take on leadership roles due to a lack of experience and mentorship. That’s where LDP steps in, providing a structured, engaging, and hands-on environment to nurture leadership skills.

Cool, What do I get to do as part of the program? What does the structure look like? When do I start?

Okay, too many questions. Let’s talk about the structure first.

Step 1: Registrations - The registrations for the program open up in July. You’ll hear about the registrations through your Area Director/Club Officer training programs or through social media. Criteria: Toastmaster in good standing, NOT past/current district officer.

Step 2: Selection - The selected members are onboarded to the program through a one-day leadership workshop conducted by a panel of leaders, including past and current members of the District Leadership Team.

Topics covered:

⦁ Introducing and managing change

⦁ Building relationships

⦁ Persuasive speaking

⦁ Innovative problem-solving through teamwork and collaboration

Step 3: Project Assignment -

Every participant is assigned a project of 1-2 month duration. Participants work closely with the current District Leadership Team or District Committees. Each of the projects is linked towards achieving the District Mission.

Sample Projects:

⦁ Helping struggling clubs (clubs with an active membership of 13 members or more - Club Incubation Center )

⦁ Participation and management of district initiatives (e.g., COTP, contest training, education workshops, demo meetings)

⦁ District annual conference

⦁ Assisting with public relations activities for the district.

Step 4: Review and Analysis -

After the 1-2 month duration, all participants are invited to attend another day of leadership training. This session includes a review and analysis of the projects completed by members.

This activity is repeated quarterly, resulting in 2-3 sessions with the participants spanning over 7-8 months in the program year.

Step 5: Graduation!:

Congratulations! You’re now an official LDPian. As an LDP graduate, you are also encouraged to apply for Area Director and other District roles in the following year, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Sounds terrific! But, as a working professional, dedicating 9 months of my time to this, do you think this is worth it? What can I learn here, apart from the leadership I learn at my workplace?

I think it’s time to hear from someone, who has experienced the benefits and learnings of the program. Here’s from DTM Yaskadeva:

It’s absolutely worth it! Here’s why

⦁ Learnings apart from workplace: I gained invaluable experience working with equally skilled peers, a dynamic I hadn't encountered in my workplace. Managing egos and relationships while keeping projects on track is a crucial skill that LDP taught me.

⦁ Mentorship and Personal Growth: Initially, I wasn’t aware of LDP, but my mentor and close friend Arijith saw potential in me and encouraged me to sign up. Writing the application made me realise that LDP would help me understand leadership and grow significantly.

⦁ Opens new doors to experiences: LDP provided me with treasured experiences. The CIC assignment paved the way for me to become a club coach and earn the DTM Award. The connections I made through various interactions helped me rise to the position of Division Director and form lasting friendships within Toastmasters. The teamwork skills I learned have been invaluable in my roles as Area Director and Division Director, as well as in my workplace.

⦁ Time Management and Planning: You’ll need to invest around 4-5 hours a week, depending on your projects and teammates. With good planning and teamwork, it’s manageable and truly rewarding.

To conclude, LDP offers a unique blend of practical leadership experience, personal growth, and lifelong connections that you won’t find solely in the workplace.

So, the next time you see an LDP registration poster or form, you’ll know exactly what’s in store for you. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of transformation and discovery!