Beyond PAF9120

Hi Everyone,

First, I wanted to thank you for making my first semester an absolute delight. Secondly, I wanted to recommend a possible outlet to strengthen and build upon what we have learned. Leadership and management are an ever changing field. The fact that we used the 4th and 2nd editions of our textbooks are a testament of the validity of this statement. It isn't practical or financially feasible to retake this course or any other course every few years to be kept abreast of the changes in management and leadership techniques. There is however a cost effective way to continue to refine our skills. It is called Toastmasters International.

From their website: http://www.toastmasters.org

Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 260,000 members in over 12,500 clubs in 113 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.

Most Toastmasters meetings are composed of approximately 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian.

There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.

Good communicators tend to be good leaders. Some well-known Toastmasters alumni include:

Peter Coors of Coors Brewing Company
Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies
Tom Peters, management expert and author
Linda Lingle, Governor of Hawaii

As I mentioned earlier this is also a cost effective way of refining our leadership skills. You pay a $20 joining fee and membership dues are $27 every six months. There are nearly a hundred clubs in the NYC area. You can even start one of your own at your job. The organization is a tremendous asset to anyone looking to develop, improve, or re-design their leadership and communication skills. I hope you all will take advantage of it.

Gaurav "Mike" Bawa