The Power of Mentors
Mentor: an experienced and trusted advisor.
One of the most important people to have in any situation is a mentor. When you are changing careers, or building a new business it can be even more vital.
In my career, the most important mentor I had was Norma Sahlin.
Norma taught me when I figure skated but once I quit, she was instrumental in developing my coaching style…
…how to be tough but understanding.
…how to get the most out of every student, no matter their talent level.
One of the most memorable pieces of advice I remember her telling me was that I needed to quit complaining. I hadn’t seen her in a while and she asked me how things were going.
I must have gone on and on about things that were wrong (that part I don’t really recall at this point). She just looked at me and said
“I don’t ever remember you being such a complainer.”
My heart sank.
Since that day, more years ago than I care to figure out, I have tried to curb my complaints. I have been given so many gifts and opportunities, that I really try to focus on those.
I notice that when I am around people who complain a lot, I am turned off…
…and I think of Norma. Even though she is no longer alive, I still recall the things she taught me.
That is the power of a mentor.
Mentors have a positive outlook on life. They will give you constructive feedback and tell you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it.
If you are having difficulties, mentors can show you the opportunities in dealing with those tough times. They have probably had a similar experience and can share what they learned and ways to handle the situation.
Sharing wisdom, knowledge, skills and expertise are essential in choosing a mentor. You want to find a person that you respect who is concerned about you and your success.
You can also have indirect mentoring!
Think of the times that you emulated someone because you like the way they did their job. You respected what you saw and learned from watching.
The reverse can be said too. How often have you worked with someone and thought, “I will never do that” because you didn’t care for the style of their interaction, or how their feedback made you feel.
I especially like to watch football coaches when a game is on the line to see how they react under pressure.
Who keeps their cool?
Who can keep their team functioning together?
The great leaders.
Another important aspect of mentoring.
There are so many positive aspects of finding someone to mentor you. The camaraderie, the knowledge, the expertise.
Then when you are at a certain place in your career, you can pay it forward by mentoring someone.
These relationships endure forever.
Just like mine with Norma.