A Fresh Start

When I first joined Toastmasters, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.  I joined Toastmasters in September of 2014, around the time I started in a new position as a Contested Foreclosure Specialist. In fact, it was another manager in my department who suggested I attend my first Toastmasters Meeting.

    Although I had been employed at Nationstar for a little over a year and a half, I still lacked basic confidence in my performance at work.  I remember at the time, I constantly double checked things with both of my previous managers, making sure that I would not make any mistakes.  I was hesitant to take on extra work or responsibilities and I wasn’t confident enough to make my own decisions without bouncing them off of someone else. In my opinion I had issues speaking to management and I often “talked in circles” without getting to the point.

    Eager to improve my communication and leadership skills, I joined Toastmasters and completed project after project. I was so impressed with the progress of others, that I set a personal goal of obtaining my Competent Leader and Competent Communicator awards within a year. Two months after joining Nationstar Speaks, I was asked to be the Club Secretary. Normally I would shy away from any leadership position, but during those 7 months, I became more confident in my ability to lead and handle “extra work.”

    As of July 1, 2015, I had received both my Competent Communicator and Competent Leader awards. Looking back on the last 10 months, I can honestly say that I improved both inside and outside of the club.  I developed more confidence in my decisions and stepped up as a leader in various aspects of my work life.  I stopped double checking myself and I began to speak more clearly and concisely.  My teammates and management noticed a boost in my confidence as well as a general improvement in my work performance.

    Toastmasters gave me a fresh start by allowing me to become my best self. It has enabled me to wear additional hats at work as well as realize that I am capable of handling more than I realized. It allowed me to rely on my own instincts and opinions and to trust that I was a valued member of society and my team.

Submitted by Allie Temple