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The Toastmasters High Performance Leadership Programme offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn by doing. The Toastmasters proven three-part learning process of study, action and feedback is used in a real-life project selected by the Toastmaster.
The programme involves recruiting a Guidance Commitee, studying the learning materials, selecting a worthwhile project, working with a team to accomplish the goal, making presentations about the project, and receiving feedback and guidance. The projects can be within or outside of Toastmasters, and ideally should be achieving something worthwhile.
What are some High Performance Leadership Projects Toastmasters have completed?
- Served a term as Club Specialist
- Chaired a District-sponsored event organising committee
- Set up a recurring storytelling workshop in the community
- Chaired a church rummage sale organising committee
- Promoted Toastmasters in local area through a variety of PR initiatives
- Led a club to achieve President's Distinguished status
- Persuaded a club to sponsor a new club
- Developed a District Operations Manual
- Organised several new Toastmaster clubs
- Ran a Youth Leadership Program
- Revitalized own club as President to achieve President's Distinguished Club and led Area to President's Distinguished status
- Ran a Speechcraft series for students
- Rebuilt a club to the point that it was self-sustaining
- Organised a local skateboard park
- Organised a club anniversary celebration
- Organised club officer training round
- Organised a club "Evaluation Boot Camp" event (see below for more details)
- Set up a Civil Defence Readiness Unit
- Organised a university class reunion
Serving the Community with a training course
My HPL project was in the community, to create and operate a 12-week review course for the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner) certification exam, to help prepare those sitting for the examination. My project encompassed marketing, promotion, registration, facilities, finding teachers for the 12 parts, selecting a text, creating and distributing CDs with supplemental materials, and establishing a website for collaboration and discussions between the students, and a forum for discussions amongst the instructors as well. The course material covers the entire breadth of secure computing, from database security, physical security and disaster recovery, to cryptography, law, investigations and ethics. We taught the course for $150, which was less than 10% the going market rate for the course, and ran it for break-even. Despite our best efforts, we made $100.
I assembled a team of 5 to facilitate, and 8 instructors, and I taught 3 of the sessions. We had a successful course, with 35 students registering and taking the 12-week course, and we received high marks on evaluation forms from the students. Of the students who sat for the exam, we accomplished a 92% pass rate, which greatly exceeds the 70% pass rate published by the professional association. This was truly rewarding, and I learned a great deal from my guidance committee and the experience.
Dan Houser, DTM, CISSP
Columbus, Ohio, USA
Peter Harington DTM - Division D Conference Organiser
15 September 2008: Peter has been a Toastmaster since 2001 when he joined Lake View Toastmasters Club in Rotorua where he completed his CTM (as it was then) in his first year.
The following year he joined Lake City Breakfast Club where completed his Bronze, Silver and Gold communicator awards by 2006.
In 2006/07 he was Area Governor for D5 and the following year he took on Division D governor. At this time he set himself the goal of getting his Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
One of the final challenges was completing the High Performance Leadership (HPL) programme. He did this when he was Division Governor when he organised the Division D conference with a team from Rotorua. It was a very successful conference which received a lot of comment on how well it was run and the teamwork involved, which is what the HPL is all about.
The final challenge was to coach a club. At the time Arawa Toastmasters Club was experiencing low numbers following several experienced members leaving town and was in trouble. Along with Wendy Booth he took on the club as a club coach and in 2008 it was distinguished. Peter has now joined the club as a dual member and is President this year.
Peter has done all this with a vision disability which does not hold him back. In fact he has made several speeches on the subject and been successful this year with International and Humorous competitions. His humorous speech "Blind men make great lovers" won at Division D and he will take it to Dunedin for the District 72 contest in November.
TLife - Toastmasters Leadership Institute For Everyone,
 by Jim Key DTM, 2003 World Champion of Public Speaking
My project was to be the winter TLI chair for my Toastmasters district. It began (approximately) back in late September of 2004 and just completed at the end of February.
Our district went from a training format of one TLI and 6 division-level training events to 3 mega-TLIs and no division-level training events. They were held in various geographic areas of the division. I had to oversee not only the three events, but the re-education of the members of the district as to why we were changing formats.
In addition to that, we expanded the class offerings at our TLI to include more non-officer related courses. I named it TLIfe, which stood for Toastmasters Leadership Institute For Everyone, and promoted it as such. As a result, we have begun to reach many more of our non-officers.
I was told by a past District Governor that a TLI is one of the hardest events we hold in Toastmasters for which to plan. With conference, we accept/require registrations before hand, so we know how many people we need to plan to accommodate. WIth our TLIs, we don't do pre-event registrations, so we never know how many people to expect until the event begins.
Each event was not without it's challenges, but I had a good team of people who served the district well. I expect that moving forward with this format will only see our effectiveness in reaching more people, both officers and non-officers.
Class Reunion
by Geoffrey Moss DTM
My HPL project was to organise a Massey University class reunion in Wellington. It was held in Wellington 24-25-25 March 2006. This degree class first met in 1949 after attending other universities in Australia, New Zealand, China and Poland.
All those attending were retired and in their 80s. Many had held distinguished international positions with organisations such as the World Bank, FAO, UNDP etc. One had actually set up a university in Australia and another had been our race relations conciliator. Many came from Australia.
My role was to set up a small local committee and to chair meetings.
One of the events was to allow each person to speak on any topic of their choice and a Toastmaster was appointed as time keeper as some of the ex-university staff were known to be long winded speakers.
A film make by the National Film Unit showing many of them as students was located and shown.
Geoffrey Moss DTM
A Fast Moving, Professionally Run and Entertaining Convention in "Middle Earth"
by Mieke Wensvoort, DTM
 Mieke and her project team organised and ran the May 2004 "Middle Earth" Convention held in Wellington. The guest speaker was World Champion of Public Speaking for 2003, Jim Key, from Texas in the United States. Jim's trip was funded by the "Let's Get Jim Here" campaign run by Lt Gov Education and Training Colin Perfect and Jim's attendance made the convention a huge success. He delivered a workshop and two keynote speeches, including his winning speech.
Mieke summarises the lessons learnt:
- Involve your team in the project planning
- Present tasks as opportunities for others
- Be in action - avoid stressing as this wastes valuable time
Together with a committed project team and support from the District Officers, the Middle Earth Convention was a stunning success.
Mieke with the Middle Earth Convention Committee
Recipe for Success
by Kathy Webb, DTM
We all have a favourite meal that we can whip up in a very short time. We know exactly what ingredients and equipment we need, how to put them all together, how long it will take to assemble and we know that when completed the result will be what we originally intended. Toastmaster's HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME is just like that "recipe for success" for your favourite meal. Apply the HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME to any project, challenging task or problem and you have applied a recipe for success.
My first HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME was Top Secret; Toastmasters Mystery Challenge, otherwise known as Division D conference, 2000. But this wasn't just an ordinary Division Conference. This conference was going to make a significant impact; and it certainly achieved that. The seeds of an idea were sown following the previous Division D conference and the HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME was the supporting structure that guided me to completion. I had my vision: "An event that would be surprising, dynamic and that used creative ways to develop potential."
My mentors were extremely strict and my project team was large and very creative.
Much of the success of the event is attributable to the key people within the project team. Bev as stage manager, had experience within the event management field and came complete with her own crew and equipment. She filmed and played the video clips played through computer onto the big screen throughout the day. Thus the mystery unfolded. Bev was the key player and resource for all the special effects including filming, sound desk, microphones, data projector, portable stage and a crew of about 10. Our 3 spymasters, "Snap, Crackle and Pop" played out the mystery dressed in black, complete with headsets and other spy equipment. My mentors met with me and provided support, and advice. Other key team leaders were Linda for programme and scripting, Vicky for finance, Chrissy in charge of the speech contests, me for sponsorship.
At the outset I had identified my own key personal learning area to be delegation. It is so easy to just do it yourself. Having a large team with me from the beginning who all shared my vision was so much easier. We encountered many problems along the way, but as a team we put together solutions and created a success.
Highlights?
There were so many.
- sharing the vision with my team,
- our energising project team meetings - each carefully planned to end on a high energy level,
- the event - 140 people (about) - the buzz - the hype - the success
- the profit we made
- the debrief
Key Learnings
- the power of many
- delegation is easy
- leadership is:
- 1. a process, first and foremost
- 2. a result, second
- high energy and enthusiasm are contagious and breed motivation
THE HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME is a recipe for success.
Since the completion of that project I have used this tool many times in my job as a fundraiser for the Alzheimers Society in Tauranga. Brain Busters Corporate Quiz Challenge 2001, 2002 and soon 2003 have all been successful using the same formula as outlined in HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. Anticipating Age, a public discussion forum calling on high profile people nearly came unstuck, but also ended up being a success.
Conclusion
The HIGH PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME is not just another step in the Toastmasters path to a DTM. It is an extremely valuable management tool that can help you in all walks of life.
Kathy Webb, DTM
Chartering a New Club
by Margaret Percival DTM
As I was no longer working I had thought the High Performance Leadership programme was not going to be feasible for me, but it presented itself! With others I was Mentor for the Havelock North Toastmasters Club - it took some time to Charter - during this time we set up a Club Executive.
Jeannie Wright (Mentor) was elected President and volunteers from our prospective members filled the roles. We had one member from a previous club whom I shall call M - she said she would be VPE. Due to an accident she did not have the ability to fulfil any roles, but was full of enthusiasm. I wondered how things would go and then I saw my opportunity as the educational programme was vital.
My Vision - For the Havelock North Toastmasters Club to Charter with an enthusiastic membership and that an educational programme be devised to meet members communication and leadership skills with relaxed, supportive and entertaining meetings.
I worked with M who had no idea of what to do, so I needed to allow her to feel that she was in control - she is a sensitive lady so this was difficult. I worked closely with her preparing rosters etc and helping her at meetings. Two Hastings Toastmasters were my guidance committee and three Havelock Toastmasters for Educational Committee.
I worked with M for six months when a new committee was elected so then it was easier to complete my programme. It took me ten months as I had to wait for the Club to Charter. My final presentation speech was to the Hastings Club as it was not feasible to do so at Havelock North.
My greatest challenge was to work with M and at the same time allow her to feel she was completing tasks for her own self esteem. It was an interesting exercise (I believe the challenge was important for this project).
Margaret Percival, DTM
Exceeding members expectations
by Joe McIlroy DTM
I had almost given up on trying for my Distinguished Toastmaster Award when a window opened for me and I obtained a High Performance Leadership manual. I soon realised what a great challenge it was as I am self-employed. A couple of years ago I took on the job of Vice President Education (again!). I felt that not a lot of effort was put into the job by previous VPs - members weren't receiving recognition for assignments, members weren't registering completions, some were renegging on speaking opportunities. In short, the Ed VPs were not doing their job properly. I felt there was a challenge and that the High Performance Leadership Project was the answer.
I put my ideas to the current President and got his support and encouragement. My first tasks were to use the members achievement form in the Communication and Leadership Manual and compelted one for each member. I put them all in a ringbinder and started recording members completions at each meeting. It was very easy then when someone was due for a Spirit of Success (5 speeches) or a Competent Toastmaster, Competent Leader or Advanced Toastmaster Award. I could fill out the appropriate application and get it into the post. All of a sudden members were on the end of a recognition ceremony.
I found that we also got membership up to 25+ and there wasn't enough time in the two hour programme!
We did a club survey of members and found that to meet members expectations, to get the club up to speed for the Distinguished Club Programme, we needed 219 speeches in the year, that worked out at 9 speeches per meeting. We started getting members doing more speeches, workshops, and what was even better, the club received Select Distinguished Club status. Overall I feel when the job is done properly, you do get the results.
There is no reason why the High Performance Leadership programme cannot be used by any club officer during their term of office. Just set your goals and give it a go!
Joe McIlroy DTM
Combining leadership with a vision
by John Dingwall DTM
When I first reviewed the High Performance Leadership Manual my reaction was to put it in the "too hard basket", but after some serious consideration I worked out a plan of how I could achieve my goals by combining leadership with my vision for a new Toastmasters club - the Kaiapoi Toastmasters Club.
Firstly you need a good team of experienced Toastmasters who are willing to support your vision and who are able to give encouragement and cement ideas with the same goals in mind.
The art of delegation is an important part of this assignment so that your team use their strengths to succeed.
Your core values should reflect how you would like to be treated yourself. Combine this with a supportive team and a clear vision and you will be able to succeed.
The Toastmasters Promise in your CTM manual spells out what is required to be a Distinguished Toastmaster.
John Dingwall DTM
"Refreshingly Creative" District 72 Convention
May 2003, Palmerston North
by Steve Flint
Jim Curtis had the inspiration and the vision at least 2 years out from the event when he put a bid for Palmerston North to hold the 2003 convention in May. The bid was successful and Jim assembled a team consisting of Graham Pearson, Tuan Truong, Steve Flint and Robyn Gordon (assisted by Helen Hermansen). We all had previous experience in organising conferences for other groups which gave us an advantage. The set basic format used for the May Toastmasters conventions made planning somewhat easier than other conferences that we had been involved with. Jim's team was successful as each member was able to contribute different skills and all were keen to bring a convention to the region. We were fortunate in that Jim had more time than most of us to deal with the day to day issues while the rest of us had to balance family, work and other commitments.
Much of the planning was clear - selecting a venue, dates, opening guests, entertainment and theme. Much of this was planned early through regular monthly meetings. We were fortunate to have Graham's skills as treasurer, to put together a realistic budget. His organizational skills helped keep us focused with a time line set at an early stage.
We all agreed that we wanted to make this different to the others Toastmasters conventions as we all felt that the ones we had attended in the past offered little that was novel or new. One area we had some scope to develop, was the educational sessions. Here we selected some successful local people (eg Property Brokers founder, Tim Mordaunt) who we felt could offer some new perspectives on communication and leadership. This was a winner with all sessions well attended and some good feedback from delegates.
We realized that promotion of this event was important with some early material being presented at the Auckland and Hastings conventions. Locally, promotion was achieved through presentations at local clubs that formed part of our High Performance Leadership projects that Jim encouraged us to do. Nationally we relied on Newsline and the Toastmasters New Zealand website.
The Convention Committee receives recognition
on the achievement of their High Performance Leadership Award
from Ray Wolken, Lt Governor Education & Training
Communication within the committee and with those enquiring about the convention was greatly assisted by Email. Email was particularly useful when members of the committee were unable to attend meetings.
We had some concerns with the slow arrival of registrations, however, as others had told us, many arrive late. Six weeks out we only had approximately 100 registrants however on the day we had our budgeted 250. The following graph shows the pattern of registrations. It is important that organizers of future conventions are aware of this. This is portrayed in the graph below.
One of our biggest challenges was dealing with late registrations. All early registrations were handled simply with most people being processed within 30 sec. Those who were late took much longer and there were often queues of people waiting. Flexibility in coping with these last minute registrations including making provision for catering, are important lessons for future conventions.
Feedback from the convention, using specially designed evaluation forms, showed general satisfaction with the convention. The big winners for us were the choice of venue, the convention booklet, the provision of EFTPOS on site the catering and entertainment.
Problem areas were the information mailed out to registrants, the organization of the mix and mingle event organization behind the contests and provision for late registrants. Delegates requested more information to be mailed out to early registrants, including more information on accommodation, the venue (car parking), and an outline of the programme. These are all easy to include in the future. The Mix and Mingle event lacked promotion and needed more catered food. The contests needed to have people organized to take on key roles (eg timing) well before the event. Arrangements for extra catering need to be factored in to any future event to ensure late registrants are not disappointed.
Overall, the committee enjoyed the experience of running the convention and are proud to have seen so many delegates enjoy a weekend in Palmerston North. We intend making a bid for the same convention in 2006.
Steve Flint
Convention Committee
Setting up a website for clubs in District 62
Introduction: Imagine a way for your club to have a presence on the web. A place where potential members can learn how to find your club, contact (via email) its officers, or view a map of your meeting site.
Imagine this website having a place for announcements, the ability for you to add links of interest to your members, and no annoying pop up ads or anything else to distract the site's potential visitors from your message. Imagine, too, that the web address is memorable and can easily be incorporated into promotional flyers, newsletters, or business cards for your club.
And, most importantly, imagine all of this costs your club nothing!
If you can imagine all of that, then you've just imagined "ClubWeb", the brain child of past District Cybrarian, Scott Dulecki, DTM and the High Performance Leadership Project of current District Cybrarian, Yvonne LeFave, ATMS/CL.
To read all about ClubWeb, visit http://clubweb.62toast.com/.
Evaluation Boot Camp
The Leadership Roundtable Toastmasters Club in New York City organised an "Evaluation Boot Camp" special event which had several aims:
- to market the club as an advanced club
- to challenge their members
- to achieve several educational objectives
- and to share a memorable educational experience with members and guests
The whole event was organised with a "boot camp" theme using the High Performance Leadership Program where various types of evaluation methods were demonstrated and used during the club's meeting.
The evening resulted in:
- more than 50 participants
- 7 educational goals achieved
- 31 guests from other clubs
- 21 guests visited the club during the 4 months after the event
- 3 new members joined the club
- expanding email list
- a video resource was developed
Read all about the "Evaluation Boot Camp" by Pam Keyzer DTM in the June 2003 issue of "The Toastmaster" magazine, page 20.
Civil Defence Readiness Unit
by John Turner DTM, Lincoln Toastmasters Club
I did my High Performance Leadership project in 2001 and "Civil Defence Readiness" on the Lincoln University Campus as the project. At the time I was the Traffic Warden on campus and because of previous Police and Civil Defence experience I was the University Sector Warden appointed by Regional Civil Defence NOT the University.
The Civil Defence apparatus on campus at that time considted mainly of a Rescue Unit which trained on a regular basis but which of course would not be able to operate as an HQ unit.
My project was to resurrect a functioning Coordinating Committee with the knowledge and staff to manage in a disaster situation. I allowed myself six months in which to do this but it took about 9 months before I was confident that the Committee had a good resource base.
We did not manage to train or even staff a fully functional HQ unit but we did have Committee members who would continue their input. After completing the project to the stage where my Guidance Committee were satisfied we terminated the Leadership Project although the Coordinating Committee carried on. It should still be functional today although with staff changes and positional changes, including my own, it is very fluid.
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Distinguished Toastmasters - what was your High Performance Leadership Project? Email webmaster@toastmasters.org.nz with your details of your project for publishing on this page. |
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