At long last ...

My apologies for being away for so long. Unfortunately, sometimes life takes turns that you don't anticipate.


So, other than the International Convention, which was exhilarating to say the least, what have I been busy with?


Well, one of the highlights of any Toastmasters year is the Division and Area Governor Training held each year in September. This year was again in Lloydminster, which is a great central location.


At 6 pm Area Governors started to trickle in. Thankfully, our host hotel (the Best Western) staff were very accommodating and kept extending our table so we could dine together.


Although we were to start at 8 pm with some mixer games, things were a little delayed with everyone finishing their meals (and watching football!). This was our opportunity to get to know each other. We split the groups (more or less) in half and in one room did one mixer game (won't give away the details for those of you that are up and coming AGs!) and in the other room did a different mixer. It was interesting watching the dynamics of each group change after they participated in each of the mixers. The mixer I was involved with had a bit of physicality; the first group, no injuries (yeah!). The second group, well, let's just say that it appeared to become a game of "take out the District Governor". I got walloped, not once, but twice! These are some feisty AGs we have!! And who will ever forget the traveling sticky notes!!


The next morning we started early with coffee and the Executive Council Meeting. It was very exciting (not really).


Then the training started ... each Division was given a 15 minute time slot in which they would train each other. We used this method in an effort to allow our Div Govs and AGs to show their creativity. They were all terrific! Just before lunch, Ken Tanner, Past International Director and our team's leadership coach, started us on a journey into the world of leadership. After a great lunch, Ken wrapped up with some interactive participation. Then Freddi Dogterom, one of our Division G Area Governors and a certified trainer, took us through the world of personalities. It was enlightening; and in a 5-minute conversation with Freddi following I learned more about myself than I had in all of the personality training I have ever participated in. I highly recommend Freddi for training in any organization you may belong to. Her website is http://www.livingstonespresents.com/.

Then Sue Milledge took over the reins with a 2 hour interactive session on teamwork. Everyone seemed to really get into it.

Then it was time for the Area Governors to Ask the Questions! This is one of the best ways we can respond to their queries in an open forum session. Anyone who had previously been an AG was welcome to answer the questions. One of the most entertaining questions was "What will you do when District 42 is Distinguished this year?". I felt I answered it well, but apparently misunderstood the question - she wanted to know if I would shave my head!! I assured her that wouldn't happen - somehow, everyone looked disappointed!! Alas, head shaving is not in the books for August (and if you attend the Fall Conference in November, I'll let you in on the "why" at the banquet).

To end off the day, Ken Tanner installed our District officers. Ken, being Ken, did it with aplomb and grace. And yes, I got emotional when the gavel was handed to me. And then it was time for the AGs and Division Governors to head home, leaving LGET Tim, LGM Greg, PRO Keith, Secretary Cindy, Treasurer Deb and me to get to work on the District Success Plan and Budget. This was our opportunity to go over it again and finalize it prior to sending it to TI and meeting our September 30th deadline.

The most important part of this weekend is the interaction between the Division Governors and Area Governors, across Division lines. It allows your District leadership team the opportunity to learn, grow and network. I'm very proud of all of our Division and Area Governors and know that they will be available to assist you as we move towards having yet another successful year in District 42!

I'm off to Regina today to attend Division B Day which will be held tomorrow. Going today so I can be well rested for that energetic bunch. Blogs to follow ... inspiring messages received, the intricate world of the District Success Plan and Budget, and many other topics ...

Until then, keep well and strong and remember, you do Impact Our World!