What is a Mentor?

Last week, I was asked by a new HR influencer the key to mentoring. I shared that when I was coming up through the hr ranks, I did not have anyone to teach me how to navigate the land minds. I didn’t have anyone in my ear or looking out for my best interest. Subsequently, I made a lot of mistakes and missteps and professionally hurt quite a few people, starting with myself!

Once I found a mentor who really cared, I vowed that when I was in a position of inspiration, impact, and influence, I would not leave my team out there alone to try to figure things out.

For this reason, I ride the elevator down to the lobby, pick up my team, and ride back up with them. This is important because as you rise, you need to be able to navigate unfamiliar territory successfully. Therefore, the need for someone to guide, protect, and redirect when needed is imperative. While riding up, you never know what floor you are going to have to stop on, nor what is waiting for you when the door opens. If you are not equipped or have some assistance, that stop could turn into a stay!

As a mentor, being actively engaged, accessible, accountable and authentic is a must!