One word that’s most prevalent in professional forums these days is “Learners Mindset”. Learning and curiosity is an innate characteristic of every living being. An infant must learn sucking to survive, a toddler must learn walking to explore and grow. Unfortunately, our academic structures are so centered around milestones that this innate characteristic, which was once necessary for growth as a child, starts to diminish as one becomes an adult. However, I don’t intent to talk about Learners for a change but another key piece to the whole learning process – We call them as Mentors.
A real mentor can see what others cannot and help the mentee to navigate to their destination which keeps evolving over time. Do not confuse them as academic professionals or managers as all mentors are teachers in some way but vice versa is not the reality.
Here are the four attributes that were consistent among the amazing people that I had the privilege to call as my mentors-
- They are honest and courageous, and sometimes brutally true.
As a 7th grader Ms. Little was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. It was a perfect excuse (also endorsed by her parents 😉) to back out of the athletic events that required consistent practice in addition to keeping up with regular academics. As the coach got to know about her intent, he notified the Principal, and Ms. Little was called to her office. Madam Principal carefully heard Ms. Little’s side of the story. When the narration finished, she leaned on to her bag and took out a nebulizer like a trophy.“ Ms. Little you see this? If I can show up so, can you. Let’s find a better reason to backout next time”.
– This is when Ms. Little learned that both honesty and courage are contagious.
2. They will not let you sit in your comfort zone and its sometimes tough
Early days of Ms. Little’s career, she got an official mentor to help her in moving to the job she was aspiring for. A lot of case studies, assignments, and number of one on ones with Mr. Mentor took her to the day which will make or break her longing of joining this dream team. Rumors had it ,that all the open vacancies were filled. She went up to her Mr. Mentor as a nervous kid who was almost sure to fail before writing her exams. He smiled and said “If they know you can deliver, they will create the position for you. All you got to do is to show them that you are worth it”.
– This is when Ms. Little learned to focus on maturing her skills and rest will follow.
3. They are assured about their strengths and genuinely wants you to grow
After few years in the professional journey, Ms. Little landed in an organization where she was the only female in her team. With negligible technical knowledge and being an introvert, it was time to break out of her cocoon again. She could not be the tabletop manager anymore. She was required to get into the details of everything the team does and survive this time. Wondering how she even got here and feeling the jitters of insecurity, this time it was her line manager who turned out to be that perfect guide. He took out the time to bestow his knowledge from the scratch and build it upwards in number of one-on-one sessions. He stood by her side on the first big assignment and always kept his cabin open for her to walk in and clarify every silly doubts.
– This is when she learned that people would forget what you said, people would forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
4. They are connected for your wellbeing and that’s personal
On to the next leap, Ms. Little worked together with a wise man on couple of good assignments. Their interactions matured from being the boss and employee relation to a great mentorship journey. His personal stories had the power to boost anyone with low spirits. The toughest days are those when you cannot lift yourself or your dear ones. On such days, he just knew that things were not easy . He listened, he cared and genuinely attempted to elevate those dying spirits again. Ms. Little often used to say “You are my punching bag”. His response with a smile would be “ At least say that Iam your sounding board to make it look better”.
– This is when she learned that mediocre is who tells, good is who explains, superior is who demonstrates and greatest are those who inspire.
To my mentors,
Thank you for showing up and exhibiting what evolution means. Your insights flashed the lights and I knew the exact next footsteps to follow. As Ms. Little built these moments with you she is forever indebted to have known you and learned from your conscious anecdotes
To whosoever is reading this post,
Always know that mentors can come in any shape, size and form. They need not be in your professional circles alone. It’s a blessing to find them as partners, friends or in your neighborhood.
As we move into the next 365 days , I wish that our senses be sharp enough to spot them and bask in their wisdom. And may our hearts be generous enough to pay it forward by being a true mentor to someone in need.
What a beautiful world it will be when everyone learns without judgements. Just insights to grow and nurture together.
Anecdotes of the ordinary 
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