For many years, I longed for a mentor of my very own. In early years of my career, it never quite worked out the way I had hoped. Disappointing at the time, but later I realized it had a lot to do with what I was looking for in a mentor. My eye was on it being a mentoring program or some seasoned executive that would put me under their wing. It took a long time for me to recognize that there were mentors all around me every day in every assignment---people teaching me and demonstrating for me the worst and the best of leadership, if I just paid attention.
As I reflect now, I recognize their were wonderful, nurturing men and women who took an interest in me, who shared their knowledge, openly gave advice and counsel that ultimately shaped what has been a rewarding journey. I marvel at how many times I think of them even now in my work. I can also see that I was mentored by leaders past and present in books, videos, conferences, courses and the Internet --- knowledge comes from so many sources, if we are ready and receptive to take it in.
Some of the most valuable lessons learned came from the struggles and development experiences working with all kinds of people. Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet, said it best:
I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant and kindness from the unkind. Yet strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.
What unexpected, perhaps unusual, mentors and teachers have helped you most in shaping who you are?
Warm regards to you all,
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work.
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
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