I thoroughly enjoyed the GrowCon held at the Johannesburg over the weekend of the 17th of October. Apart from the good people and good food I enjoyed the speakers that were there. A few points that stood out for me during the conference:
Poh Kim Siong, DTM, International Director based in Singapore:
His address was around success as members of Toastmasters and focused on Confidence, Leadership and Service and I manage to jot down the most important points:
Confidence: Stage Time: Never decline it, never lose the opportunity
Leadership: Leadership should come from the heart, everything else will work out.
At the end it will all work out. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end yet”.
Service: Always vacate your office better off than how you found it.
Billy Selekane: Key Note Address "Awakening the Spirit of Tribal Consciousness"
His address was an inspirational take on the leadership that enabled Zulu warriors to defeat the British troops at the Battle of Isandlwana. The learnings from the battle were:
Right of Passage: All leaders and members should earn their full right to be there. We need a culture of excellence (meritocracy)!
Collectivism: Need to put collective goals before roles.
Service: Serve first before being served.
Organisational traditions: Do they inspire people to achieve great things? What is the impact of your rituals?
Growth in Challenging Times, Mike Perry, Perry & Associates
District 74 has been having a decline in a number of active clubs (from 160 in 2005 to 119 today). If we compare ourselves to Australia, the whole of District 74 should be having 2400 Clubs. The challenge to start new clubs is on!
Awards
I was amazed at the 31 people who got the Triple Crown Award (3 or more educational awards in a year) because I thought just one award was all is needed in any year. Well done to all of them and for being an inspiration to the rest of us.
A big thank you to all who took time to organise the conference. Hope not to miss other future conferences
Lebo Mphahlele
Vice President Education
Nedbank Toastmasters
Posts
