I hate to admit it, but I've been guilty of using this phrase in the past. What a cop-out. It's just an excuse for me to do what I want to do and not hold myself accountable. I believe great leaders lead by example and not just words. I, in no way profess to be a great leader; however, I do strive to be the best leader I can with my family, with my business and in my community.
I recently had the chance to test my own commitment to this principle. I somehow knew this would happen, too.
This past Saturday, one of my fellow *Toastmasters was competing in an area contest. I verbally committed to being at the contest and tried to encourage the other members from our club to come out and support his efforts. As fate would have it, the very next day after making this commitment, I found out one of my business partners and mentor from the East Coast was going to be here in California that same Saturday for training. Now I had a dilemma. Do I stick with my first commitment and support my friend competing or do I go to a meeting with one of my partners I rarely see?
After some gut-wrenching thought, I knew what I needed to do. I actually knew all along the right decision. I was just trying to rationalize how I could wiggle out of my commitment.
I am so glad I made the right choice. It was a great contest and I was there supporting my fellow teammate. And the icing on the cake- he won the contest! I was so blessed to be a part of his experience. I left the contest energized and excited. I am still stoked (notice the time stamp of this post).
Teach commitment, teach teamwork and if necessary, use words.
*Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.
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