The Benefits of Mentoring

When I left my previous career (in education) for a new direction (managing volunteer programs) it took me a little while to find my feet. At times I felt like the proverbial fish out of water. While many aspects of the job were familiar to me having worked with volunteers in the past, there was still so much to learn, but I was very fortunate to find myself working with people who wanted to see me succeed. I was taken under the wing of two people who not only had the skills and experience to guide me, but also had something far more valuable to offer – a true passion for their work, an unwavering patience and a belief in treating me as a colleague of equal merit, despite my being a novice. Their passion was not only contagious, but amazingly addictive. It has stayed with me throughout my career and helped me to be good at what I do.



I believe that everyone needs a mentor of some kind. Whether it’s a work colleague, a friend or a neighbour, the local priest or a sporting coach – someone who believes in us, wants to see us succeed and knows the right thing to say at the right time to sow the seed of enthusiasm for whatever it is we are pursuing.

The wisdom and guidance that was offered to me back then is now a legacy that I can pass on to others. I've mentored quite a few others over the years and there is a sense of accomplishment and pride when I see them blossom and succeed.



It’s a worthwhile exercise to think about the people in our lives, both now and in the past, who have been there to support, advise and guide us. Along with our parents and our teachers, these are the people who shape who we are.

If those people are still around, why not tell them while there is still time how much their support meant to you? Why not repay the favour by letting them know how their guidance helped to shape the person you are? And why not pay it forward by showing that same support and guidance to someone else?




#_self_worth
#_motivation
#_perspective
#_advice
#_wisdom
#_inspiration
#_support
#_helping_others


%selfavenue