Mentoring: For Free
I love Dilbert but feel the author must be following me around for material.
Even though I have been experimenting with this blog for the past few weeks, I can’t help but feel a bit of awkwardness and narcissistic in this endeavor. As my intention is to focus on others and not on myself in this forum, I am finding it a bit unnatural. However, sharing a few opening thoughts about mentoring and capturing materials I’ve used over the past that have reportedly been valuable to others is worth the risk of feeling awkward for a while.
The heart of true mentoring requires selflessness. It is the art of truly putting someone else first. To understand what THEY need and want and to advise them on how they might achieve their goals. At times it may be as simple as a word of advice or helping them evaluate options; it’s teaching. It goes beyond supervising…it’s not mandating their actions or conforming them in your own image. The focus is on them. Understanding what they want and need to achieve success.
In some respects it follows the art of parenting…you eventually become more focused on the role of Shepard rather than hand-holder. Advising on the bigger picture rather than the first step.
It is selfless act–which ironically has incredible personal rewards. I have witnessed greater impact on policy, process and performance by touching the lives and careers of others than I ever could have dreamed of doing alone. It is exhilarating to see the results of someone you’ve coached achieve that which you influenced and played a roll. It is also a terrific compounding activity since they often mentor their own contacts with similar philosophy and conviction.
Tags: corporate-culture, mentoring
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