I mentioned in my last post that 20 percent of development as a leader comes from coaching, networking and mentoring. Fortune 500 CEOs often site the role of mentors in their success and many have taken on the role to mentor others. Mentors have played a huge role in my 25+ years as a leader, helping me with everything from advice on how to handle tough situations to job choices and overall career development. I had one really crucial mentor in my early years and then several over the last 10 or so. I also had many peer mentors. I didn't always listen to their advice, especially when decisions were made for personal reasons, but I always welcomed their insight.
Given that it's national mentoring month, take the time to offer yourself as a mentor. If your organization doesn't have a mentoring program, you could be the catalyst to start one! Ever been part of a speed mentoring event? Like speed dating, you get equal number of mentors and mentees in the room with a facilitator who keeps time and after 10 or 15 minutes the bell rings and the mentees move to a new mentor. By the end of the session, people have hopefully found a good match or a connection to someone who know a good mentor for that person!
If you have a mentor already, take this opportunity to thank them and be as specific as possible about how they have influenced your career! Feel free to comment on how a mentor has influenced your career/life!
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