Thought For The Day No.40

I just returned from our District 51 Toastmasters District Convention at Kuching.
It was an exhilarating and memorable experience ....lots of interactions and engagement with fellow members, educational workshops, fun and delightful speeches during the fellowship function and the formal installation dinner for the incoming leadership team.

The presentation by the guest speaker at the dinner was overwhelming - the CEO of Malaysian Airlines Datuk Sri Idris Jala shared his turn around strategies for the organisation which helped made the highest profit since last 12 years and a complete recovery from a loss position of 1.7b two years before he came on board.
Of course it was possible because ....
# there was an impossible goal that everyone worked towards ....not the usual SMART Goals
# compile the daily P & L and decompose the elements .....and monitor very closely
# execution of plans relentlessly pursued with strict discipline...commitment is as good as done!
# innovation and improvement is an everyday thing and everyone can do it
# treating people as human beings ..........reward with a Big Heart
# always operate from the "white" area

He was rewarded by a thunderous rousing standing ovation when he finished his last sentence.
We just leapt to our feet and acknowledge our home grown corporate leader who can hold his own among the famous corporate warrior leadership gurus in the international business arena.

The District awarded Datuk Sri Idris Jala with Toastmasters International Communication & Leadership Award - the coveted honor of distinction given to non-Toastmasters who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and effective communication in their respective fields of professionalism and service in society.

The other uplifting and inspirational experiences were captured during the speech contests.
It was awesome witnessing the enthusiastic speakers on stage sharing their deep beliefs and delivering their messages of hope, motivation and love with profound passion and earnestness.

We heard a young man speaking on his broken relationship with his father ....attributable to what he termed "broken communication" . Another expounded us to find our 'Shark' to keep sustaining our passion in pursuit for our goals in life. We also learned from one speaker the power of forgiveness in erasing our burdens and guilt which we may be carrying for years and weighing us down with despair and grief.

Many came with true life stories that connected with our hearts and opened our eyes and minds to the realisation that we may have neglected people who matters most to us. One speaker rendered a moving touching message from his late wife that no matter how bad things may seem ..there is always hope and "It's OK, It's All right ...Keep moving on"
We were highly entertained by one speaker who cleverly helped us look at common daily life events in funny humourous angles and yet filled with lessons of financial management relevant to all and sundry.

I must say it was a weekend well invested ....as always with the benefits of Toastmasters programs ...interesting, educational, engaging, inspiring and filled with nuggets of lessons for life's journey!