Planning Makes You a Confident Leader

I have been working with Cyient Inc. since 2001. In 2011, I was scheduled to present in an internal meeting with 12 people in attendance. I had 25 power point slides to cover in 2 hours, but finished in 30 minutes due to fear of public speaking and nervousness. I came home and called my manager and admitted that I couldn’t present well in that meeting.

He told me to try Toastmasters.

I joined Talk It Up Toastmaster in Windsor, CT in 2011 and learned basics of Communication and Leadership skills. I realized huge value through participation and thought about encouraging my colleagues at Cyient to join Toastmasters. I wanted to create a platform where my colleagues could develop Communication and Leadership skills.

I approached Andrew Watt who was Area Director (Governor) at that time to charter a new club. I discussed with the company’s Human Resources deparment, but they thought I was just giving a suggestion. I intensified my efforts and managed to get Andrew to organize TWO Demo sessions.

I pulled in my colleagues and enrolled them into officer roles. Andrew Watt came, along with District 53 Leadership, to charter “Talking Tomorrow Together” on April 28, 2017. I also worked closely with the Cyient US President and HR Director to sponsor the Corporate club.

I applied the principle of “Plan your Work and Work your Plan.” It took a lot of planning to charter the Toastmasters club at Cyient, but that exposure gave me confidence. I was able to develop the essential Leadership traits of Collaboration and Delegation.

From those efforts, I was inspired to volunteer for leadership roles of Area Director and now Division E Director. I want to thank Toastmasters for giving me continuous opportunity to learn and grow in my career and life.