7 Ways to Succeed as a Club Officer

This training is developed by Toastmasters International and conducted by your district leaders. Your district probably offers several sessions to choose from, allowing you to find one that fits your schedule. Most seasoned officers agree that attending training is invaluable to start your year.

Read the Club Leadership Handbook (provided by your club president). Explore the Toastmasters website for additional resources. Peruse the Resource Library in the Resources section of the website where you’ll find lots of informative handbooks, fliers, templates, slideshows and more. Become familiar with Club Central on the site. Read the Toastmaster magazine. (Wait! You are!) Connect with other members via social media outlets. Visit different clubs to observe how other officers perform their duties. Search the internet for useful blogs or documents about your position.

Ideally, meet with your ­immediate predecessor to make a smooth transition.

 In Toastmasters you “learn by doing.” Don’t fear making a mistake. Most mistakes can be corrected. Take your role seriously enough to commit to it but lightly enough to allow yourself some slack if something goes wrong.

While some roles overlap, clearly define where your responsibilities end and where another officer’s begins. Coordinate and delegate.

Even if you think your role is quiet or not visible, the other officers should know the status of your efforts.

The benefit? You train a successor in the process!

 

For more tips on how to succeed as a club officer, read the July 2016 Toastmaster magazine article Congratulations, Club Officers!