Share your story about a great mentor

I'm looking for a story about someone who's life has been changed by a mentor at work.

In my new book, I'm talking about the importance of mentorship programs and how much value they bring into people's business lives.

Have your participated in a formal or informal mentorship program as a mentee? Has it changed your life?

Please send me a note and thanks in advance for your help.

Comments

[Jenny]

I had an informal mentor relationship about 12 years ago and early in my career. I was not looking for a mentor, in fact I didn't even know what I wanted in a job...I was just plugging away in a customer service job at an insurance company.

When Paula joined our company as the Director of Direct Marketing, it was evident right away that she was different from the other leaders within our organization. She had a more professional air about her, she was highly organized, and very results driven. She began a small department that several of my colleagues (myself included) competed to join. I was not selected, but still watched how she worked and used every interaction with her (how she managed a meeting, how she conducted an interview, how she interacted with other employees) to learn things I didn't even know I needed to learn.

After working with Paula for about a year, I was offered a leadership position in my department. I accepted the position, and then asked Paula to be my mentor. I wanted to emulate her leadership style and I had so much to learn.

I grew so much from this relationship and it really changed my life and what I wanted to do with my life. She provided so much support, and was my biggest cheer leader. She was always sending me little notes, or inspirational quotes. But one of the things I most appreciated was her willingness to be candid with me. At times she gave me feedback that was likely difficult to deliver (and difficult for me to hear) but she did it in the interest of my growth. She respected me enough to give me an opportunity to change the things that made me less effective rather than sugar coating them.

I haven't seen Paula in 9 years, and haven't corresponded with her in about 2 years. But her impression and impact on me and my career is lasting. I've traveled through several fulfilling jobs since working with Paula, and have grown and been successfull in each. I still have so much to learn, and have certainly built relationships with other folks who've played an important role in my professional growth. But nobody has made the profound impact that Paula has and I will always remember that.

[Rockie]

Dear Tim,

I was blown away by request in your blog posting today, as this has been the very topic that I have been trying to push and even at this very moment, strategizing to share to my photographic association.

Mentorship is HUGE and I personally can not see where one would be impacted as much as in a mentorship situation as it adds so much to ones life that is near impossible to receive in a big setting or institution.

I have much to share about this.

But just wanted to write and encourage you on your vision in writing this book.

Will think more about sharing personal mentorship experiences with you.

Until then, please feel free to write me or message me as I would love to dialogue more about this topic with you in person, either by phone or email.

Sincerely,

Rockie