by Steven Timmons, DTM
Have you engaged in Pathways? If not, then this article has important information for you to consider.
A definition of engage as a verb is
1. Occupy, attract, or involve (someone’s interest or attention).
2. Participate or become involved in.
Follow me as I discuss engagement. As the Toastmasters year winds down, your chance to engage is almost up since on July 1st, Pathways is King.
I get it… change is difficult and never fun. However, change in today’s world is a constant rather than an exception (COVID 19 anyone?). For the most part, it is great! Because of technology, we have seen things that even 100 years ago some people would never have considered in their wildest dreams. We have choices available and excellent opportunities develop literally right before our eyes.
Pathways, believe it or not, is one of those opportunities.
The key phrase from the definition above is “involve (someone’s interest or attention).” This is where I want to focus. Let me share with you a little story…
From time to time, I have been asked as an evaluator to give the speaker everything that I can throw at them and to be brutally honest. I have shared with them that this is a very bad idea because others are always watching. I am glad to share with them any additional feedback to help them out.
If you have been in Toastmasters for a moment or more, then you are very likely viewed as a leader because you have been around for a while. You are being watched and are an influence on others, particularly newer members.
Your refusal to engage in Pathways can have unintended consequences. Do you really want to steal the excellent opportunity that Pathways can represent from even one person? Others may be looking for a reason to opt out of Pathways and by default to opt out of Toastmasters. Are you going to hand them that excuse?
