Are you a mentor ?

The other day I was struggling to solve a business problem. Nothing big, but it made me think back on my career and think about those that have mentored me and I have mentored.

Early Years: When I started in the AV business, I was a real hot shot. I thought I knew it all, I pressed all of my bosses buttons as much and often as possible. I felt like we could always do better. Try to satisfy the customer more. Sell this, deliver that...(to be honest, I would have fired me!). But I was lucky, early in my career, I had people who took the time to listen to what I was saying, and then ask me to change it. They taught me early on that being part of the change was as important as wanting to change. Not sure that those people looked at it as mentoring, I think they thought it was a way for them to make me do things they didn't want to do, but it provided me with the mentorship that I needed at the time.

Growing up: As I moved from one company to another, I was now in a position of leadership. I was nervous, but excited to see if my many years of training, would pay off. As a decision maker, I wanted to make sure I surrounded myself with people who knew more than me, but needed mentorship from me as well. (give a little, get a little). Over the next several years, I enjoyed working with people who questioned why we were doing something, made sure that if they disagreed, they could speak their mind. I really enjoyed helping them understand the why as much as hearing their thoughts, ideas on how we could improve, or do the right thing. In doing so, my goal was to help them achieve their goals, or become a better leader. One conversation that I remember fondly is one that I had with a young operations guy. I had asked him, "What do you want to do in the next 5 years?". His response to that question was a very honest, "Your job!" Over the next 5 years, I made sure to include him on any major decision that we made for the company. From raises, to hiring, to structure changes, everything. (not sure he enjoyed what he was asking for at the time). I am happy to say - 5 years from the date of our conversation, I was happy to provide him my recommendation to the leaders of the company - that he was the perfect person for my job! He went on to lead the office better than I could ever, he then continued that growth - and is now one of the best operations guys in the country, for our field. I am also happy to say that he mentored others, and they became great leaders - to this day.

As I have continued my various roles in different organizations I try and figure out how I can be a mentor to others. How can I help be the best manager I can in helping those that work with me achieve their goals, become better leaders themselves. I'd love to publish that I am very good at it - I am not, but I do try. I read and talk to other leaders and other mentors all of the time, to better determine if there is a way that I can utilize their experience, or knowledge and help others. I believe in the boomerang approach of what you give, you receive twofold. In business, we are all competing. We all want that next job, next promotion, more money, more power. I believe that the one way to get there is giving mentor-ship to the people who work with you, or that you have relationships with - I can speak from years of experience, it comes back in fulfillment in your role as a person - all of the time.

I am at an age in my life that I am only beginning to understand how we are all very connected, and our actions lead to ripples of influence far beyond what I could have imagine. I have so much to do - so many more years to mentor, inspire and effect others. I look to my past relationships and enjoy watching them succeed, almost as much as I enjoy success. I ask you - "Are you a mentor ?" Do you listen to the people that work with you on what their hopes and dreams are ? Do you look for others in relationships, friendships or leaders in their fields, to help you better understand ways in which you can be a better mentor ? Mentorship is a key in leadership. If you are a leader, make sure you are offering your knowledge to others, I promise you will be glad you did.