Finding Ingredients for Your Leadership Recipe
Picture yourself climbing up a long, rocky trail while carrying a heavy load. Step after exhausting step, it just never ends. Then you notice someone else on a parallel path seeming to have an easier time of it. You greet each other politely – but, you can’t help but wonder how he’s making this difficult journey without even breaking a sweat. Finally, you ask, “So, how are you doing it?” The response could be a game-changer for you.
A real-life version of this occurred in my life.
The radio station I was working for had recently been acquired by a large broadcast group when the new big-boss asked me, “What’s your ultimate goal, Dave?” After pausing for a moment, I told him I’d like to have his job one day, “So, how do I get there?” He nodded, looked me in the eye, and gave me a response I remember to this day.
“Observe Carefully, Ask Frequently.” Then he shared another nugget of wisdom that carried as much weight as the first one. “And, never say anything bad about anyone…never.” Thirty-years later, both of those gems are etched in my memory like I’m hearing them for the first time.
But here’s the best part. He didn’t let it end there. For the next two-years he invested in me, checking in on my progress and challenges, asking me questions, and helping me add more-and-more key ingredients to my personal leadership recipe. He was mentoring me.
Over the years, I’ve continued to seek out mentors who won’t just be advice-givers. But, people with experience in areas where I have little. My favorite mentors rarely tell me what to do – but always seem to share an impactful story, answer my question with a related question, and help me find my own way around the challenge I’m facing.
It’s no wonder most successful law offices assign new associates with a seasoned mentor who is prepared to provide them with direct and honest feedback, laced with empathy.
Author Simon Sinek says mentorship goes both ways. He wrote of his mentor, Ron Bruder, “What I never understood until I met Ron was that mentors learn as much as they teach.”
So, what area are you struggling in? Could you use some wisdom born out of experience? Who within your circle of influence has been down a parallel path – and, may have found a better route to navigate through it?
A good starting-point may be reaching out to CMB to learn about their Mentoring program. It’s helped so many others in our industry. The CMB mentoring team would love to connect you with someone experienced in your field to help you in the area you’re looking to grow. Learn more about CMB Mentoring >>
