And Hate Them All? Examples Abound It is the racist White guy who truthfully has Black friends.   It is Bob who announced during bible study that he hates White people.  While I am confident his proclamation does not apply to me, I accept his words and believe he generally dislikes White people.     It was the Nazi in charge of deporting Jews to concentration camps who complained that if he...

Here are the “Receipts” Mentees secure the most significant value and express the greatest appreciation of mentorship through their actions. Respectfully listen and carefully consider the information provided or discovered, use what you believe is valuable, and disregard the parts you think are inapplicable or incorrect. Mentors do not expect to be followed like an orchestra conductor but will...

How to Work It Mentees, resist the temptation to implore, “Just give me the answer!”  Outside of specific subject matter expertise or in perilous circumstances requiring a strong hand, mentors should not even recommend a course of action.  You are not a child needing or seeking parental instruction.   There are practical reasons for not feeding you an answer.  First, history has proven I am...

Hiding in Plain Sight You can cast a wider net since specific subject matter expertise or a close personal relationship is not required. A mentor may be a member of your cycling group, a former business colleague, a fellow supporter of your favorite charity, etc.  A mentor is not a prospective client, as the possibility of a business relationship unavoidably casts a pall over the mentee’s...

Stating the Case It is simple. Mentorship enables growth you cannot achieve alone. Once you recognize its value, you find it is only appropriate for two “select” groups: those who want more out of life and those who want to give more to life. The Association for Talent Development defines mentoring as a reciprocal relationship helping (i) mentees develop confidence and improved decision-making...