At mentor walks last Friday I was asked what do I give back to a mentor? A question I have been asked many times.
Giving our time to help others is by far the most satisfying act of kindness we can do. It is scientifically proved to uplift our mood and give a sense of well being. For me helping anyone to achieve their goals in life is one of the most rewarding activity I can do and is connected to purpose and personal values.
There are many benefits to a mentor: seeing others achieve things that they did not thing they could do, inspiration for speeches and blogs (respecting confidential information), themes emerge when mentoring which enables more constructive questioning, reminds you of your developments and leanings, triggers nostalgia about those times, inspiration and expands your repertoire of areas for mentoring.
I am always astounded by what individuals are capable of, always walking away from mentoring sessions feeling inspired myself and uplifted.
I always ask people who are looking to be a leader who do you mentor? What have they achieved? You don’t have to be a leader to mentor, a pre requisite interview question for anyone who wants a leadership role.