In my newsletter last week I featured the subject of mentoring. My underlying theme was that mentoring can be an extremely valuable type of professional development. A mentor can serve as an additional resource to formal work relationships. Sometimes, encouragement and support are needed. Other times, a person might need information, reality-testing, or contacts. Other situations might call for problem-solving and planning. And these are just a few of the classic issues. Mentors can be a wonderful resource for people, greatly enriching their professional education and growth.

Food for Thought ~

From my experience as a mentor, both as part of my consulting work with clients and as a volunteer, mentoring helps people be more successful and more satisfied in their work. They become more effective and better able to achieve their goals. My hope is that people who have a good mentoring experience are more likely to become mentors themselves, and thus a positive cycle is continued. It’s a good example of the “pay it forward” philosophy. Although there is much goodness in this world, it’s also tough out there, and most of us need all the help we can get. Mentoring is one of the ways we can lend a helping hand to someone who’s motivated and willing to work for what they want.

Question for the day ~

Have you been fortunate enough to have a mentor? Are you a mentor?

If you are in business and would like to explore the possibility of becoming a mentor through the SSU School of Business and Economics Mentor Program, please contact me for information. Call me at 707- 887-2256. I look forward to talking with you about the rewards of mentoring.

Mary