Mentor Leadership
It is likely that at different times in our life, we will encounter people who will make a significant impact in a positive way. These people may be in the form of a parent, teacher, coach, teammate, friend, or colleague.
Words that come to mind when I think of my mentors include experience, motivation, success, guidance, and development. Mentors are needed in all types of settings within the community, especially the field and classroom, and mentorship is unrelated to age, position or status.
Mentorship and leadership work hand in hand. In the book The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols. written by former Navy Seal Jocko Willink, mentorship and charity are pillar attributes for leaders. According to Willink, mentors “identify the need in others to be led.”
Mentors LEAD others!
Language- Verbal language and body language tell a story. As a leader, these should align. Mentor leaders should also be honest, sharing experiences of both success and failure.
Effort- Mentoring will take effort and patience. Mentors are investors in personal growth. Based on their experiences, they know success and achievement take time.
Attitude- Mentors have a positive attitude and are encouraging. Mentor leaders offer motivation and support. They are passionate about helping others succeed.
Discipline- Leaders are consistent with the standards they set for themselves. Character and dedication matters.
Ways to build qualities of a mentor leader:
1) Help a new student learn their way around the school and introduce them to new people.
2) Volunteer and serve in your community. This can help open new doors and show you ways to offer your gifts to others.
3) Motivate and build confidence in an underclassman teammate who may not yet realize their level of talent.
4) Encourage collaboration among coworkers and be willing to do the same work as any member of the team.
Mentor leadership can be found in all avenues of life, not just athletics. You don’t need a PHD, a million followers on social media, or fame to influence.
Whatever platform you have to mentor others, that is right where you are meant to be.
A positive impact on just one person can cause a ripple effect and lead to the success of many others. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
