Do You Have a Workplace Mentor? You Should!
| By Jen Ray, PHR | Life, Work
I consider it a great blessing in my life that I was born into a family of strong women. For me, the word “powerful” conjures up a variety of ideas, including “strong,” “classy,” “clever,” “taciturn,” and “smart,” among others. I’ve surrounded myself with strong women and developed a network of relationships that benefit us all since I was born and nurtured by strong women. Have you found a mentor? Maybe you don’t even know that you are mentoring someone else. I urge you to think about it because, from a female perspective, these relationships have the potential to significantly alter your life.
Do You Have a Workplace Mentor? You Should!
When you’re having a bad day, who do you call? Who do you turn to for general life advice? These top 15 people on your list of contacted phone numbers or emailed addresses are probably your mentors. Most of my mentors have offered me business and personal advice, served as a sounding board for ideas, or have talked me down from a ledge when I was doubting myself.
Women Empowerment
I have a gut hunch that there is a research about how women empower other women someplace. Working with women can be difficult, at least in my own experience. I’m not being sexist, I promise. These same women can inspire you to improve yourself personally and professionally. Like it or not, women support other women. Look for connections where you can pick up knowledge, feel secure, and have conversations. Always take the high road, kill people with kindness, and develop connections that will help you both professionally and personally.
Don’t be afraid to admit What You Don’t Know
Lacking a mentor? Answer the phone. Ask someone you met at a networking event to coffee by calling them. Relationships don’t form overnight; they begin with a phone call. Take a break from the routine, try something new, look for a different viewpoint. Get involved in something you are passionate about and, once more, surround yourself with those who can teach you and who can teach you, fostering a relationship that is mutually beneficial. Everyone wants to be the best in a competitive world, but what is most important is doing your best work with people you respect and who respect you.
Detox your life of negativity.
Always keep in mind that while some people want you to succeed, others are standing by ready to put you in your place. Really, how dare you exploit those who are willing to impart their arduous wisdom and experience? These are the same people who will turn against you as soon as it is in their best interests. So get rid of anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable with their actions, remarks, or circumstances!
Benjamin Franklin once said something that truly resonates with me. Involve me and I learn, he adds, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I might remember.” These are the mentors you ought to look for. These mentors want what’s best for you and are prepared to go above and beyond. They do this because they understand that spreading knowledge about how to build a house together is preferable to carrying bricks by yourself.
Go today and seek out your mentors!
Written by Jen Ray & Jennifer Bauer
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[…] Finding a mentor as a freelancer and small business was a huge turning point for me. Working through college I owe a lot of credit to my mentors. They taught me to step out of my comfort zone and grow my knowledge in and outside of the classroom. It’s important to surround yourself with a network of people who have been where you are. This extends into the professional scene you can join clubs, attend events, and further your education. There are so many useful resources, especially online, available to help you grow. […]