When I reluctantly took over the role of Area Director, I had no idea what I was signing up for. My initial understanding was that it would require just 2 visits to each club in the year and that I would submit my Area Director visit reports. However, once I started visiting the club, my vision broadened! I could see some clubs doing way better in certain aspects but still missing some fine nuances. There were also some clubs that were struggling with membership but still chugging along. My ability, not just as a leader but as a person who can understand different perspectives, started improving.
My interpersonal skills and my ability to lead without authority also started to improve.
My favorite memory about the Area Director role is being the contest chair for the Area Contest. It took significant effort; my planning and networking skills were stretched, but it was the most rewarding experience.
Where I struggled:
Some clubs or some officers in some clubs are not concerned about the mandate to complete officer training.
A recommendation here would be for them to complete the training even before the term begins, rather than during the term.
My recommendation to Toastmasters:
Fulfilling roles for an Area Contest is a huge challenge.
Perhaps Toastmasters should mandate participation in at least 1 Area contest in any role for every Toastmaster in a year.
Kishore Subramaniam