I am fortunate to have several mentors. Goodness knows I need them in the helter skelter world of innovation. They help sanity check my thinking and pull me up when I am getting out of line. They are people I listen to – why? Because I respect their counsel and wise words at times when I am not sure or when I might go ‘off the reservation.’ Like the person who told me I am smart but reduce my value by not having a suit. Today I have a suit.
Mentoring is something I recommend to anyone. It’s not about having a shoulder to cry upon though that sometimes helps when you’re in a tough spot. As professionals I don’t believe we make enough of this potential rich resource. Most professionals I know work in a vacuum with little contact among their peers. Given we all live in a complex world that cannot be good. I recall a recent conversation with a practice partner where he said he felt over his head. What could I say? Does the idea of mentoring at least get you to breathing again sound good? If so then be assured it will reflect in the client engagement. I recommend.
As an aside: do I always listen – hell no. But then I love the fact my mentors never judge but support.
