Mentoring and Leadership

[TXMike]

As we get into the playoffs and bowl season, there are times when some of us look at who is getting "the game" and gripe that we deserved it more. I just came across a little ditty that may be good reading for many of us at this time of year.

Dr. Jeff Green, of the Leadership Development Institute wrote a short piece on mentoring others.


There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being—to help
someone succeed. —Alan Loy McGinnis

The Importance of Mentoring

A few weeks ago, my 12-year-old son was surfing the Internet trying to get a grip on what classes he would have in his upcoming 7th grade school year. With the excitement of a kid on Christmas morning, he jumped up from the computer and started yelling for mom and dad. I naturally thought he had determined that he could graduate from middle school without 7th grade. To my surprise, he was excited about Garrett Payne.

He had just read a press release from Ritchie Elementary School that stated, “Fifth grade student Garrett Payne was recognized June 1 as Fauquier County’s AAA Outstanding School Safety Patrol of the Year.” My son
said, “Dad, I trained Garrett. He was great! He picked this stuff up so quickly. He really deserved to win.” Then, he quietly said, as if he were talking to himself, “Man, I trained the winner of the Outstanding Safety Patrol
Offi cer of the Year.”

I learned a great deal from my son that evening. Instead of sadly walking away from the computer and saying, “I’m the one who trained him; I should have received that award,” he actually celebrated Garrett's success.

As leaders, we, too, should take every opportunity to rejoice in the achievements and good fortune of those around us. As Alan Loy McGinnis said, “There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another
human being—to help someone succeed.”

My son also could have commented, “Garrett knew nothing about this job until I showed him. I mean, he was just a 5th grader.” Instead, he enthusiastically spoke of Garrett’s intelligence, people skills, and eagerness
to learn. Great leaders do not break down people. They focus on people’s strengths; they build up their followers.

My son’s comments also reminded me that the best leaders loudly praise the accomplishments of others while only quietly patting themselves on the back for whatever role they had in the triumph. Finally, I was reminded of
the power of coaching and mentoring those who must follow in our paths. Indeed, the best leaders continuously develop new leaders— a powerful activity that positively affects the mentor, student, and entire organization.

[waltjp]

Nice post, Mike. Most good teachers take pride in the accomplishments of their students. There's a sense of 'ownership' there. It's like a proud parent looking upon their child's success.

[MJT]

Great article! It fits in so well with what we try to do at the school at which I teach that I sent it out to the staff in each building. It is a great thing for all of us as officials, parents, teachers, and coaches to understand!