Mentoring – What can we learn?
There was an excellent article in the Financial Times last week called “Things my mentor taught me” which featured a range of successful entrepreneurs talking about those individuals, whether they be family, friends or colleagues who had inspired, supported and taught them things which helped them on the road to success.
The key point I think the article missed is that whatever role we are in, we can all benefit from mentors and coaching, as part of our personal development. I’ve been really fortunate to have had a number of people who have influenced me significantly, particularly when I was starting out. No one individual in particular – they’ve ranged from family, to bosses, to more experienced colleagues and others I’ve met who have kindly shared their experiences with me and challenged my thinking. It’s also true to say that you often learn as much from those role models you admire and want to emulate, as those you don’t (e.g. particularly one or two whose behavior I don’t want to emulate!).
Yet, sometimes we can all forget that our personal development is something that only we are responsible for – without our drive, it just won’t happen. I find this increasingly as I get more involved in mentoring and coaching others within IRIS, as it is something that increasingly comes up. To move your personal development forward, there are occasions when you have to search out that person or people whose “coat tails you need to hang on to” to learn new skills (e.g. by making it known you want to get involved in new projects). Believe me, if you ask, they’ll very rarely say no, but if you say nothing, there is always a danger you’ll be neglected.
A great mentor will:
- Challenge, motivate and inspire you
- Share their experiences, offering alternative perspectives
- Just listen
- Be honest with their feedback
Surely, this is something we can all benefit from? What are your views and experiences?
Posted: August 16th, 2010 under Martin Leuw.