Soar to Success December 2017

SOAR TO SUCCESS / December 2017 / Business Acceleration Strategies my years raising my children I imparted in them that they should always be open to learn from others. Limiting them to only what I could teach them would be short sided to say the least. A successful mentorship relationship needs equal parts utility and emotion. You can’t just walk up to someone and ask them to be your mentor. It may be that you notice someone you admire. Look for ways to add value to their lives. Often times your interest and passion for learning serves as an inspiration for them. Five ways to engage: 1. Be a good listener 2. Be curious and willing to ask good questions 3. Add value to them. 4. Be authentic 5. Respect them – but don’t put them on a pedestal – they failed their way to this place. Let me tell you a story about Deb who I met while she was a professor at my local university. She was a business coach and I truly wanted her as my mentor. I took every opportunity to add value to her so that she would be willing to invest in me. I volunteered when she did workshops and was always available. Apparently she saw something in me and over time we developed a close and lasting friendship. I am a better coach today because of this relationship. As you continue through life and continue to stretch yourself by reaching up, remember to reach back as far so that you bring others along with you. Mentoring is the most rewarding thing you will ever do. If you want to be significant…….. find a mentee……become a mentor!