Sources of wisdom for emerging leaders
Reach Out by DIP
One of the things I am really passionate about is making sure that each of us takes the time to help others in their journey. Whether this is serving as a mentor for a budding entrepreneur or helping someone think through their ideas, we all can contribute to the growth of others.
That said, there are many factors that can inhibit what could be termed as direct mentorship, but, as I have alluded to in a past post, we need to expand our purview of where such opportunities can originate. But what can an emerging leader do in the absence of a mentoring figure?
When I asked one of my own mentors who they looked to for wisdom during their amazing career, they replied, “Take a look around you — these books have been my guide.â€? Sitting in their office among the volumes ranging in subject matter from economics and finance to the inner workings of psychology, it was clear that this person did not wait around for someone to teach them; rather they took the reins of their own development.
So read, and read widely. With the advent of Web 2.0, blogs have been a great way to share ideas or, sometimes more importantly, pose good questions — a hallmark of the wisest advisers. For leaders of emerging companies, I’ll share a fantastic new source. Harvard Business’ Memo to the CEO, which offers access to the insights of world-class leaders and their trusted counsel.
The onus is on ourselves to develop and if we are fortunate, others will help along the way. It may seem an odd way to start, but you can begin by giving a portion of your time to someone else, as our own knowledge is often tested and expanded by that act of teaching others.
David is a practicing management consultant and recent MBA grad from the Rotman School of Management. David’s passion for developing the thinking and leadership potential of others is manifested in both his vocation and his pro-bono efforts.
There is a great need for mentoring so thanks for advocating mentoring in your post.
As a serial entrepreneur, I love to spend time with folks who are getting their own company going in a mentor-relationship. I remember the days when I was getting started and I was searching for people who knew more than me that would take time to meet with me and impart some wisdom into my situation. I tell everyone who asks — get a mentor…get someone who will help you as you grow as an entrepreneur.
I recently came across a great post by Perry Noble about the “5 Rules with a Mentor”.
Posted by: Steve Lavey on March 25th, 2008 at 3:02 am