BE A MENTOR
Whether it is a teen whose goal is to solve a problem building relationships or a business person driving to climb to the next level of the corporate ladder, they both need help finding the source of their inability to reach their goal. There are many aspects to being a Mentor, but finding that source should be the number one task of a Mentor who is asked, or has chosen, to walk alongside another person. For a teen, consider a school counselor, a concerned parent, a loving grandparent, or a church small group leader. They would all be great Mentors to help the teen find that source.
A fellow employee with a better understanding of the corporate structure, an outside business consultant, or even a handful of friends would fall into the mentoring possibilities for the business person. Previous relationships or common ground between the people involved make it easier to push past the symptoms and reach the true source of struggle. The source may lie in long-held attitudes or thought patterns, a handful of misunderstandings, or simply a lack of knowledge.
Of course, finding what is standing in the way of a mentee’s ability to accomplish their goal(s) is not always an easy task. It takes the willingness of the person being mentored to be honest with the Mentor. It is imperative for the Mentor to listen carefully to discern the difference between idle chat and true meaningful information. There also must be commitment from both players to create some bonds and build a relationship. Only through that relationship – whether it lasts two weeks, two years or a lifetime – will the Mentor and the protege be able to truly make headway toward finding the source they need so they can build their plan to move forward. Progress will be made by all parties if they will remember that the power is at the source.
Our discussions here will concern mentoring kids and teens. As a general theme, we want to talk about what it is to be a mentor. We hope you will join in.