When I look back over the years, I realize mentors have played a critical role in my life, both personally and professionally. When I began my company back in 2002, I joined a women’s business owners’ organization. The first benefit I received as an organization member was a volunteer mentor. Joan was tall, like me, and I’ll never forget the first time we met: We smiled, looked each other in the eye and said in unison, “I like tall!” Joan was a vibrant, beautiful, wise woman, who was an entrepreneur for many years. I leaned on her and called her at all hours of the day, asking questions and seeking her advice and support. Often she would just listen to me, as I went on and on, thinking out loud, working through a problem, not realizing I solved it myself as I was sharing. She would praise me with her wisdom and soft voice as I leaned on every word she said. She confirmed I was on the right track. When I got of that track, she would be real with me, speaking with firmness and conviction. Joan became sick, and during that time, she still put on her makeup and lent me her ear. After her passing, I continued to feel her push me like I was a wee child learning to ride a bike without training wheels for the first time. And to this day, Joan is with me, her hand on the back of my bicycle seat. I can hear her voice, and I call her my Wisdom Whisperer.
Here are some tips to be a successful wisdom whisper
- Commitment – Have and make the time to give to your mentee over a long period of time.
- Right Fit – Focus on what your mentee needs to learn. Do you offer what they need to learn?
- Ask Questions – Discover what the mentee’s goals are and inquire to gain deeper insight.
- Listen – Be still, be quiet and listen. Don’t assume you know what they want.
- Meet Often – Have ongoing regular contact with your mentee.
- Encourage – Stretch your mentee’s mind. Challenge and push them to go beyond what they know.
- Feedback – Candid and compassionate feedback is key to helping mentees reach their goal.
- Be An Example – Remember, you are their role model. Be a mentor with intention.
- Look In the Mirror – Reflect on the mentors in your life and draw from their wisdom to nurture your mentor relationships
There is value in mentoring. Being a mentor can make a powerful difference in another person’s life.
When a new employee arrives at the office, do you have an instinct to mentor them? Do you reach out and lend a hand? If your office does not have a mentoring program, why not initiate one? It’s a win-win for all! When you are a successful mentor, you fill your life with additional purpose and you make the new hire feel needed, significant and enjoyed. Go out on a limb and be a wisdom whisper. Help someone discover his or her potential.
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