Mentorship Matters

The Power of Mentorship in Developing Future Leaders?

As we commemorate Women's History Month, we not only reflect on the resilience and achievements of women but also recognize the pivotal role mentorship plays in their journey. This month offers an opportunity to delve into the significance of mentorship in empowering women to overcome challenges and realize their full potential. By examining the impact of mentorship on women's personal and professional development, we gain valuable insights into how we can foster a supportive environment that cultivates future generations of leaders. I would love to share my mentorship journey and how I have been the mentee and the mentor.

Mentorship is a powerful tool that has the potential to transform lives. It’s not just about sharing your knowledge and experience, but also about inspiring and empowering aspiring individuals to unlock their true potential. True mentorship goes beyond networking and building connections, it’s a journey of growth, discovery, and transformation that benefits both the mentor and the mentee.??

I have had the privilege of being both a mentee and mentor and have followed an unconventional approach. Mentorship is not always confined to a traditional one-on-one relationship, but rather about inspiring others and speaking their names positively when they're not in the room. Following up and holding them accountable is equally significant.?

Having experienced the immense impact of mentorship in my own life, I am compelled to pay it forward. Every mentee I have guided becomes a potential mentor themselves, creating a ripple effect of guidance, support, and inspiration. By helping shape future leaders, we contribute to a cycle of empowerment and growth that extends far beyond our individual reach.?

Valuable Lessons from Mentors?

As I reflect on my own journey as a mentor, I often think about the inspiring mentors I had early on in my career and the invaluable lessons they taught me. One of my first mentors taught me the importance of personal brand and how we show up. She emphasized that if we don't like what we see when we stand in front of a mirror, it's time to make a change. Your personal brand and how you present yourself matter.??

One of my favorite mentors taught me how to build meaningful relationships and think critically about my career path. We had a crucial career conversation about my goals and ambitions. Together, we came up with a plan, set a timeline, and focused on earning promotions. I spent the next several months putting the plan into action. I worked on major projects, challenged myself and stayed on course with meeting my goals. Despite my efforts, I did not get the promotion I was seeking and realized it was time to move to another next opportunity on. I wasn’t disappointed because I had set those goals with someone I trusted and put in the work. That experience taught me a lesson that I still carry with me to this day –it’s okay to move on to the next opportunity; sometimes moving on is the only way to reach your ultimate goals and ambitions.?

Moving on to the next stop in my career journey, I built a relationship with a great mentor who taught me how to boldly seek out what I wanted in my career. I learned it’s essential to set yourself up to achieve your goals, make connections, and put in the work. Don’t be afraid to ask for that promotion you have your mind set on. Do a self-evaluation, understand your strengths, and either improve or focus on what you’re already good at. Develop a plan and execute it. Don’t wait around for the next opportunity in your career. Actively seek it out what you want and go for it.?

As I transitioned to more senior-level roles, lessons I learned from my mentors evolved to challenge me to think more like a leader and go further in my development of myself and others. I’ll never forget the mentor I connected with along my leadership journey. He and I never worked directly together, however as a Black man in a leadership role, he asked me what I would do to help people who looked like me. Beyond that, he urged me to find the balance and perspective to empower my team to excel. He believed leaders should be willing to work in the trenches and lead by example. This always stuck with me and has shaped the way I lead my team and mentor others.?

The Impact of Mentoring?

As we navigate our own paths, let us not forget to reach out and offer our guidance to those who are just starting their journeys. By becoming mentors, we illuminate the path for future leaders, sparking a fire within them and shaping a brighter future. Together, let us embrace the joy of mentorship, celebrating the transformative power it holds in the lives of both mentor and mentee.?

It’s always a rewarding experience when someone comes up to you with excitement to connect or follows up on something presented.? At a recent networking event, I had a moment of personal reflection. A young African American woman approached me and expressed awe at my career path. She was inspired by the fact that I had worked my way up to my current role and it made her see a path for her own career. Her words made me realize the significance of my position as a leader and mentor, not just to guide individuals on their professional journey, but also to inspire them to reach new heights. Sometimes we forget how much our experiences can impact those around us. Moments like this excite me and motivate me to continue contributing to the broader mission of building robust talent communities and enhancing the career development of those working in TA.?

Being a mentor is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly. As mentors, we have the power to inspire, guide, and shape someone's future. So, let's all aspire to be mentors who make a difference in the lives of others – and help the future of TA, and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.???

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Learn more about the amazing career opportunities and #LifeAtMcKesson at careers.mckesson.com.?