You're stronger when you don't try to lead on your own
I see you. You're there—you're always there—working hard and getting it
done. First to arrive and last to leave, carrying the weight of the
world, speaking wisdom that sustains the weary. I see you there,
gathering the pieces of broken hearts and delicately, patiently piecing
them back together. Sharing creative ideas with your team, leading with
the kind of wisdom that will shape your department, and ultimately,
people's lives.
You lead the way.
Maybe you're the counselor who listens to countless stories every day.
The pastor who invests hours of preparation for the weekend ahead.
The teacher who guides and trains young minds in the classroom.
The entrepreneur with the exciting new startup.
The mom in the neighborhood whom everyone turns to for advice.
The community leader who serves, not because he or she believes in endless
committee meetings, but because he or she believes in making a difference as
soon as he or she walks out of her door.
I'm not sure where we'd be without you—without your insights, your
gifts, your passion, and your leadership. Perhaps that's why this
question won't leave me alone: Who mentors you?
I wonder, when you're so
busy investing your energy in everything and everyone else, if there's
room enough for someone to invest in you. Do you have a mentor?
The Value of a Mentor
The word mentor emerged from Homer's epic poem The Odyssey.
Mentor was a friend of Odysseus, King of Ithaca. When the king went to
war, Mentor became a friend and advisor to the king's son Telemachus.
Mentors today continue in that role. They're experienced practitioners,
sharing their skills and insights with those who want to learn from
them. They mentor through teaching and training, but also through
modeling what they know and through sharing their experience in
practical ways. These mentors instruct and guide; sometimes they're like a cheerleader,
while at other times they are like tough love to the extreme.
Mentors fill our bookstore shelves, magazine racks, and blogs. They
present our TV shows, teaching us how to dress, cook, lose weight, start
a new business, sell our home, or raise a family. These mentors
instruct and guide; sometimes they're like a cheerleader, while at other
times they are like tough love to the extreme. Their skills bring out
the best in those they work with, equipping them to reach goals they
couldn't have reached alone. When a leader like you has such great
opportunity to influence others, aligning with a mentor is more than
just a good idea—it's a crucial part of your leadership development.
God bless you.
Be Inspired!
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