The Humanity of Leadership is Found in Mentoring

Many of us understand what it means to lead. We understand the importance and value of leadership. The literature on leadership addresses theory, applications, implications, and the like. As a collegiate professor, I appreciate the scholarship on the topic. However, I spent all of 2022 learning about leadership from those who have led or are still leading. The leadership umbrella is large, so we must tackle each idea one at a time. This article explores the topic of mentoring.

I acquired insights into leadership from a variety of perspectives. I spoke with leaders of different backgrounds and experiences. I chatted with leaders across different industries and environments including military, business, and the faith community. I learned that leadership is contextual, philosophical, inspirational, and spiritual.

However, what I learned the most from my conversations with leaders is that the practice of leadership is personal. Leading implies impact. Although not everyone needs to lead people, every leader will make an impact in some way. This level of self-awareness makes you a better leader.

Conversations

?I had the opportunity to speak with a small group of leaders over the new year’s (2022/2023) weekend. This was a great opportunity to talk to people about four essential habits of leadership.

I identify these as . . .

The Habit of Knowing

The Habit of Reflection

The Habit of Writing

The Habit of Purpose

All of these habits are grounded on one’s ability to analyze their own thoughts and actions, make appropriate changes, hold oneself accountable, and consider the long-term implications of decisions made. In 2023, I will explore all of these components as I dive deeper into the implications and applications of leadership development. ??

Today, to start year 2023, I take a brief look at the first habit.

The Habit of Knowing

Know thyself. From the Latin, cogito, ergo sum, translated to English as, "I think, therefore I am”. This is one of René Descartes more infamous writings. But what is it to know oneself? And how can one reflect so deeply and intimately within one’s own’s thoughts as to have a full appreciation of oneself? We give ourselves titles such as coach, author, colleague, and so forth. But what is the value of a title? Does a title define your “I am” statement? How can we differentiate between the title and the person?

Self-Reflection has Limitations

In my talk this past weekend, I asked my audience about having a mentor. The responses were interesting. Some people did while others did not. And based on the responses given, those who had and maintained relationships with mentors verbalized improved self-awareness. They iterated a better sense of self. This made for interesting conversation.

Allowing ourselves to become vulnerable in order to grow personally and professionally is a risky endeavor. It takes willingness and time to develop a relationship with one other person. But from that relationship, true self-awareness can grow. Our own perception of self is limiting. However, another’s perception, and therefore understanding, of who I am can be eye-opening. A different perspective can create a difference in perception.

When asked, “What is the value of a mentor?”, my audience provided some unique responses.

“I can talk about problem areas in my life that hold me back.”?

“My mentor acts as a mirror to show me what I am doing, but from a different light.”

“I tend to have a mentor for my various roles, preacher, business owner, and so forth.”

“I have gained better insight into my own character, strengths, and weaknesses.”

“My mentor allows me to become the person I want to become, but do not know how.”

Imagine if this was you – a person willing and wanting to grow – but you don’t know how. Your colleagues may not be able to help because they do not know how, have limited experiences, and are trying to figure things out themselves. A coach may be able to help. There are plenty to choose from. Each has their own approach to personal and professional develop. Aside from that, they cost money. And coaches will tell you that a monetary investment in yourself is always worth the payoff.

Note: I do not speak bad about coaches – they all have value.

The Mentor?

Mentors are people in industry that have a power to connect, provide insight, and give feedback. They are also people that you grow to know. Relationships take time. They also take energy. Sometimes, a mentor-mentee relationship grows from someone’s willingness to make a personal investment of time, talent, and resources into your life. These are (probably) the best mentors because the relationship grows naturally from an already established connection. Further, the mentor sees the value in you that you do not yet see in yourself.

I will say that again for the people in the back.

These are (probably) the best mentors because the relationship grows naturally from an already established connection. Further, the mentor sees the value in you that you do not yet see in yourself.

Imagine that – someone seeing your value. The value that you do not yet fully see in yourself. How would you –

React

Feel

Respond

Think

Do

if someone told you that they see value in you that you did not see in yourself?

I know from personal experience that this is one of the highlights of life. Another human being sees value in me.

The Next Step

They invest their time, talents, and energy in you to develop you. ?

Reason: Because they want you to see the value of you as they see the value of you.

Something to think about.

If you need a mentor, go find someone. If, however, you have the inclination to be a mentor, then do it. Offer someone your talents, insights, and energy to help that person grow and become the best version of themselves.

Allow the reward to be this:

The other person can mentor another.

Thanks for reading.

Credit for picks: www.pixabay.com?