The Power of Mentoring

Recently, I provided a workshop on the topic of mentoring.  Mentoring by far is one of my favorite topics to speak about because I have personally experienced how vital a mentor is to being successful!  Over the years I've sought out many mentors, some I had a personal relationship with and some I had never meant and considered to be my mentor from afar.  

My first mentor outside of my family was my DECA teacher.  Through DECA, I received my first part time job working as a secretary.  I had been working for a few months when my teacher asked to speak to me after class.  He asked me how my job was going and I told him it was going great.  He then showed me a file full of letters and asked me if it was my work.  To my embarrassment each letter was filled with typos and grammar errors.  Humiliated, I said, "Yes, this is my work."  He then asked me the most impressionable question I've ever been asked, "Is this what you want your reputation to be?"

I don't remember anything else my teacher said, all I felt then and know now is that he cared about me and wanted to help me succeed.  He didn't berate me and he didn't make me feel small.  He was kind and compassionate.  He showed he cared enough about me to talk my employer into letting me keep my job.  Because of a mentor, I had the opportunity of a second chance to prove my abilities, to reshape my reputation and ultimately my future.

That one moment of feedback, compassion and mentoring was life changing.  Never discount the power of a mentor.

 

Collaboration in Action

I had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Office Dynamics Conference last week at the Red Rock Resort. The theme for the event was "Connect, Create and Collaborate." I've spoken at this conference in the past as well as been an attendee. However this year was truly an event of distinction. The attendees were absolutely amazing; they were engaged and hungry for growth. Each speaker was remarkable in their own right providing valuable information to stretch and challenge the attendees and to inspire positive change for the attendees an individual and for their career as an administrative professional. Another fascinating dynamic about this event was the collaboration between the speakers. Each speaker encouraged and cheered on one another. We believed in each other, had respect for one another and genuinely wanted the best for one another. Some could say we are all competitors however if you were an observer, you would have seen a group of friends laughing, connecting and collaborating. Perhaps it was the conference theme that caused our behavior . . . perhaps it's because we are all motivated by the same positive intent ~ to facilitate the success of the attendees. No matter what caused this dynamic, it created an incredible conference experience and one that I will cherish for a lifetime!