Whether it’s a professional mentor, spiritual mentor, physical mentor, volunteer mentor, or even a family/parental mentor, they help us think through tough issues or consider new opportunities. The best mentors help you pursue answers to the questions you seek. Experienced mentors may even offer what questions you might want to ask. But do they give you the answers? No. They understand that the road to self-discovery is more meaningful than someone simply giving us the answers.
Do you have a mentor? Are you mentoring someone else? Can you do both? Some organizations arrange formal mentoring relationships to bring new hires into the organization’s culture or to groom people for upper management. Others encourage informal mentoring allowing mentors and mentees to find each other. Either way, having that person to call on and help us become the best version of ourselves.
Who are the mentors in your life? Many people recall the guidance of a family member, teacher, or coach. Others can point to someone in their career who made a difference. Often times it’s a person who took the time to listen, to ask, and to help us grow. Answer these three questions.
- Who is your mentor(s)?
- Why did you choose them?
- What did you learn from them?
Real mentors are never easy on those being mentored. They see potential that the person being mentored doesn’t yet recognize. They expect, even demand, more than that which we believe is possible. I am asking you to do one thing. If your mentor is still alive, please contact them and tell them the positive effect they’ve had on you. They may or may not know, but please don’t wait until they are gone to tell others about them. Tell them now.
In the end, whether teacher, coach, advisor, or friend, successful mentors are guides on our journey to self-discovery. Through their questioning they push us to pursue the best solution, even if it’s a more difficult route. They encourage us to seek excellence. In the end, mentors don’t answer our questions, they questions our answers. And we’re better for it.
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At ReThink! Consulting, I want to help you and your organization explore the questions that help you find meaningful solutions. Contact me and let’s talk about ways we can work together.