April 22, 2008...10:34 pm
Mentorship: Take Personal Control of It
Mentor: noun. a wise and trusted guide and advisor.
The idea of mentorship is found in our history, sports, politics, and our tv screen; King Arthur and that wizard, the twelve disciples with my boy JC, Plato and Aristotle, Sid the Kid and Mario Leumieux. This idea surrounds us everywhere. It’s obvious why - Everyone wants that older, wiser, more successful elder that will lay out the path and guide them to the next level.
Hollywood and our history books portray this in a very one dimensional manner. Although I have three great mentors that come in the classic format, I think it’s time we broaden the scope and take control of our own mentorship.
“People, it seems, are always looking for that one right mentor to help them get ahead. But in my experience, there is no one right mentor. There are many right mentors” - Jack Welch
In his best selling novel Winning, Jack Welch introduces the topic of amassing mentors. This nugget of wisdom is tucked in near the end of his book (chapt. 17), but has become a burning topic whenever he speaks. The former CEO of GE goes on to elaborate about mentors that were not only ten years younger than him, but his subordinate as well. Mentoring doesn’t have to occur in an elaborate 10 year plan. Jack had mentors that lasted a lifetime and others that lasted just weeks. He recalls his most meaningful mentor never called himself that, nor did Welch ever identify him in that way either.
There are so many “informal” mentors out there and you can learn just as much collectively from them. Since I’ve started on this account, Bill has had several consultants come in to help us out. They’re here on one to two week projects. I love it when they come ’cause I get to tag along. For lunch I get to fill my stomach and my mind (for free!). I ask question after question after question. The wisdom I’ve gained from talking to these consultants has already broadened my business mind. I’ve got to see a different perspective of the industry, specifics in their specialties, leadership… everything.
Check this out…
“Regardless, I still believe the business media is such a good teacher that I am always amazed when I meet a young person who doesn’t just consume it. Don’t let that happen - this mentor is right there for the taking!” - Jack Welch.
That’s direct advice for young associates from one of the most successful CEOs of our time. Take it. There are websites where you can get free magazine subscriptions. Read articles from reputable websites. Go to the library or your local Barnes and Noble.
Many of us are aiming for leadership further down in our career. To hit the C level positions your training starts now. This is how I see it. When I go to work I’m learning the nuts and bolts - ground level stuff. When I come home my high level development begins. I read business books to learn how great executives ran their businesses, how great presidents ran our country, how millionaires became so successful. It’s a good balance.
I’ll leave you with Jack Welch’s concluding thoughts on the topic
“My point is that mentors are everywhere. Don’t just settle for the mentor assigned to you as part of a formal program. Those official mentors teach you the company ropes, but they’re just a start. The best mentors help you in unplanned, unscripted ways. Relish all that they give you in whatever form they come.”
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