Why...

Several weeks ago, I made the decision to serve as an Area Governor in my Toastmasters district for the coming year.  On multiple occasions, I've been quizzed as to why I'm interested in doing that, since I have already achieved my Distinguished Toastmasters educational level.  My understanding is that most people who serve as an Area Governor do it so that they can earn their DTM.  (For the non-TMs, if you don't understand the whole governorship-DTM thing, I ain't gonna explain it.  You can either ask a Toastmaster, or join Toastmasters yourself, and they'll explain it to you.)

My answer to that question is a 3-parter, and it is very simple:

1. I want to reconnect to the people in my district.  Since I won the World Championship of Public Speaking back in 2003, I've had the wonderful opportunity to speak at districts literally around the world.  In that process, I've been privileged to meet thousands of people.  The downside to that is that I have missed out on attending many of my own district's events, and I've felt somewhat disconnected from the "home folks".  By stepping back into this particular avenue of service, I will be directly in contact with several clubs, and will be involved with the district leadership.  In essence, I'll have the chance to reconnect.
2. I want/need to grow my leadership skills.  I recognize that I need to strengthen my leadership skills in order to put myself in better position for promotions at work.  Rather than wait for the promotion opportunity to present itself, only to find me lacking in those essential skills and missing out on the chance, it's best for me to equip myself ahead of time.  Seems more-than-fundamental, but...
   
   The other thing is that leadership is one of the interests/topics of my speaking business.  I figure that what I experience during this year of leadership will give me many more examples, both good and bad, that I can use in my speeches that have to do with leadership.
3. I want to give back to the Toastmasters organization.  I've heard that so many times that it almost sounds cheesy for me to say it.  The fact is, however, that the Toastmasters organization would not be as vibrant an organization as it is without having people who are willing to step up into the leadership positions and serve the members of the organization.  As much as I have benefitted from being a member of the organization, it is only right that I serve in a direct leadership capacity.  Yes, I do feel as though I have given back to the organization by traveling to speak to various district events, but this is very different.  This is a means by which I can serve the very district that has directly benefitted me.

This will be an interesting year, to say the least.  I don't know how the district politics will shape up, and I've never really had to directly play the political game.  I just know that I've adopted a policy of "playing with the cards face up", and that is how I plan on continuing to operate.  I just think that's easier all the way around.

I've also been asked whether or not I think that I'll want to continue in the leadership track, serving as a Division Governor or in the Senior 3 leadership.  That's like having a baby, then being asked - while still at the hospital - "so, are you going to have any more after this one?"  (BTW, I have actually experienced that scenario.)  I'm thinking that it is best for me to keep my focus on the year ahead of me, and do that job to the best of my abilities.

The truth is that I have no idea; I have neither an "ego need" nor some big "master plan" for it, but I haven't ruled it out.  I'm just excited about what lies ahead.