As a young leader, I hope to never lose the appreciation of encouragement and direction via a superior -especially someone of greater age and wisdom. I often tell people to be sure and seek wise counsel. Had I not followed such advice myself, none of these blogs would exist because so much of what I have learned has come from parents, mentors, experienced writers, thinkers, speakers, etc.
As I mature further in life and leadership I do not want to lose sight of the influence that my time may have on someone younger and less experienced than I. In short - I want to always have the heart to do for others what has been done for me. If you are a young leader like myself, I encourage you to focus on having a few mature vets to help challenge your thinking and mentor you along the way. In turn I beg you to take exactly what you are learning and pass it on to someone else. Not only will you multiply the teaching investment from your mentor through enhancing the existence of your own protege/mentee - you will better retain the initial wisdom that was passed on to you.
For example - I have a few co-leaders/protege's that know when I am going to have a meeting with my mentors because I tell them when it's going to be. This allows us to plan a subsequent time together that serves the sole purpose of me transferring what I learned. There have been times when I may be hosting a conference call that will be a learning experience for someone - I will invite them to get on with a note pad and just listen/learn.
With all that being mentioned - Here is my charge for you as a leader, especially if you are 35 or above. Please take a lunch this week & go down from the big office to the floor and take a young one out to lunch. This does not need structure - perhaps you just freak them out by saying, "I just had you on my mind and wanted to treat you to lunch and hang with you!" They will never ever forget it and it will add value to them. Perhaps you need to check with your team to find out who would be a good staffer to surprise. You might even discover they have thoughts that could transform portions of your business to a brighter future. This will show them that the Leadership is caring and cool!
You leadership referee will be on the sidelines holding the touchdown pose for you!
Oh yes, be sure to mail them a handwritten note thanking them for joining you and mentioning at least one thing you learned from them.
Please send me your success stories - these are great to share with people.
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