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Carolyn Smagalski
Business Basics
Founder - Editor - Host
If we are to become successful in our life quest, we need the
help of a “power-team” to provide us with support, knowledge
and guidance. We should choose our mentors for this team
carefully.
Developing the skill to properly select high quality
individuals to emulate is one that will give us the ability to
move from mediocrity to a greater level of excellence. We need
to develop the ability to evaluate our goals in order to seek
out those mentors who would most effectively unlock the doors
to success.
Forming an alliance with a well-chosen mentor can put us on
the fast-track to success. We can develop skills through
observation and imitation of those who are the best in their
field. We do not need to re-invent the wheel. We can discover
the reasons for success by studying those who have the
qualities for which we are striving.
In searching for a mentor, look for someone with strong
principles at the foundation of their character - the
principles of honesty, integrity, fairness, human dignity,
service, excellence, potential, nurturance, and growth. Is
this someone you would like your children to imitate?
Look for people who are highly competent in their associated
field - people who have a commitment to their goals, who work
hard, who take persistent, continual action. Seek out someone
from whom you can learn in order for you to advance in your
career.
It is up to you to build this reciprocal relationship between
mentor and mentee. You can make the most out of this
relationship by identifying your goals and your role in the
process. You can choose to seek out mentors for individual
areas in your life - work-related areas, health-related areas,
family-related areas, for instance.
On the flip side, you might decide to seek guidance from only
one mentor, one who you feel has well-balanced life skills.
When you reach the point in your personal growth where you can
no longer learn from that particular mentor, be willing to
become a mentor to others – to teach what you have learned, to
“spread the wealth!”
At the same time, develop another relationship with a mentor
from whom you can learn the additional skills you wish to
pursue.
You can build a relationship with a mentor by understanding
and clearly defining your objectives. You need to identify the
areas in which you need growth, then identify the people
around you who are successful in those areas.
Become actively involved by volunteering your services in
community activities, clubs, or civic organizations. Strive
for excellence in your work. By doing so you are setting the
stage for attracting the people who may become your mentors.
You can approach these individuals directly, by asking them
for 10 minutes of their time, or you can use a more indirect
approach by working with them in the community activities to
which you dedicate your time.
The key to greater success is in asking specific questions
that will give you clear knowledge and understanding in your
field of development.
Send thank you notes when someone has given you their precious
time and hard-learned knowledge.
Follow the advice you are given, give positive feedback, and
be generous in sharing the results of following the advice.
Return the favor, by finding ways you can “give back” to your
mentor.
Dedicate yourself to sharing your new-found knowledge by
teaching others the success-principles you have learned.
In the words of Zig Ziglar, “People don’t care how much you
know until they know how much you care.”
Content copyright © 2003-2008 by Carolyn
Smagalski. All rights reserved. This content was written
by Carolyn Smagalski. If you wish to use this content in any
manner, you need written permission.
Contact Carolyn Smagalski
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