Recognising the Importance of Mentors on Guru Purnima

In Indian culture, history, heritage, and the significance of gurus hold a unique and revered place. Guru Purnima, a special day dedicated to honouring gurus, exemplifies this respect and appreciation. This cultural context positions us to better recognise and realise the importance of mentors in our lives.

Types of Leaders and Their Need for Mentorship

There are two primary types of leaders: entrepreneurial leaders and organisational leaders. Each type has unique challenges and needs, particularly in the realm of goal-setting and performance monitoring.

Entrepreneurial Leaders

Entrepreneurial leaders are those who have capital at risk. For example, promoters of mid-sized Indian promoter-driven companies. These entities lack set accountability (like a formal Board of Directors to whom the promoter reports. It is largely self-reporting). These leaders, who typically serve as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), are the persons-in-control with significant influence over their businesses. Due to the nature of their roles, external mentors become crucial for entrepreneurial leaders. They need mentors to monitor their performance effectively, provide unbiased feedback, and guide them through challenges without the formal accountability structures found in larger organisations.

Organisational Leaders

Organisational leaders operate within established frameworks of accountability and answerability. For example, CEOs are accountable to Boards of Directors, and mid-level managers are answerable to senior-level managers. Goal-setting and performance monitoring occur more naturally for organisational leaders, primarily because of the systems designed around these processes. These leaders benefit from the structured feedback and oversight inherent in their organisational hierarchies.

The Role of Mentorship in Effective Leadership

While goal-setting and performance monitoring are more ingrained for organisational leaders, entrepreneurial leaders require external mentors to achieve similar effectiveness. Mentors provide the necessary checks and balances, ensuring that entrepreneurial leaders remain focused and accountable. This external guidance helps bridge the gap between the informal nature of entrepreneurial leadership and the structured approach of organisational leadership.

Mentors in Various Facets of Life

Mentors play a crucial role in various facets of life. It's essential to understand that mentorship isn't confined to professional or work-related areas. In a previous article on LinkedIn (Link: Segments of Life), I discussed the concept of goal setting across various segments of life. This includes recognising that mentors are necessary for different life aspects where we set goals.

Professional Mentor:

A mentor in the professional realm helps navigate career growth, offers advice on business strategies, and supports professional development. This mentor can be invaluable in providing insights based on their experience and expertise.

Health and Fitness Mentor:

For those focusing on health and fitness goals, a gym instructor or a health coach acts as a mentor. They guide physical well-being, helping individuals achieve fitness targets and adopting healthy habits.

Spiritual:

A spiritual guru provides guidance on the spiritual path, helping individuals find inner peace and purpose. They offer wisdom on spiritual practices, meditation, and the philosophy of life.

Recognising the need for mentors across different life segments ensures holistic development. Each type of mentor contributes uniquely to our overall growth.

Expanding the Concept of Mentorship

I have been blessed with some amazing Gurus who have helped me grow as a human across all segments. I am not discussing them in this Article as that would undermine their importance. They deserve a separate Article which I shall write for them. I am immensely grateful to all of them. However, I shall discuss what I have observed in my mentors.

The Bookish Approach to Mentorship

Many aspiring leaders treat mentorship as a pre-requisite for being considered a good leader, much like ticking off a box on a to-do list. This superficial approach is devoid of the authenticity and commitment that true mentorship demands. Such individuals may follow a scripted methodology, offering advice that lacks depth and personal investment. They fail to see mentorship as a profound responsibility, instead viewing it as a stepping stone to enhance their own leadership credentials.

However, good mentors have the following traits naturally:

• Taking Mentorship Seriously: Great mentors understand that mentorship is not just an additional task but a serious responsibility. They take it upon themselves to ensure their mentees receive the support they need. This commitment goes beyond occasional advice; it involves active engagement, consistent support, and a genuine investment in the mentee's development. These mentors see their mentee's success as a crucial part of their own responsibility.
• Deep Satisfaction in Mentees' Growth: True mentors find immense satisfaction in their mentees' growth. Unlike those who might feel threatened by the success of their peers, real mentors feel proud and supportive when their mentees surpass them. This trait is their selflessness and genuine concern for others' development. They derive joy from seeing their mentees excel, knowing they played a part in that journey.
• Prioritising Mentees' Development Over Personal Gains: Effective mentors are already successful in their own right. However, what sets them apart is their preference for shaping their mentees into better versions of themselves. They focus on developing their mentees' potential, often putting their own ambitions aside to ensure their mentees succeed. This selfless approach highlights their commitment to encouraging growth and excellence in others, rather than merely seeking personal accolades.

Celebrating Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is not just a celebration of traditional gurus but a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate all mentors in our lives. Whether they guide us spiritually, professionally, or in our personal well-being, their contributions are invaluable. On this day, we should take a moment to express our gratitude to those who have helped shape our paths and contributed to our growth.