Mentoring is a Brain to Pick...

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen
and a push in the right direction.”

-- John C. Crosby, the Uncommon Individual Foundation

Today we hear a lot about mentoring. Many organizations are implementing mentoring programs to further the growth of the organization by employee retention and to further the growth of the employees. How can mentoring do that?

Mentoring is designed to expand and grow a person's potential for success. The one being mentored will:

• gain knowledge of corporate culture and work ethic, deportment, the skills and education needed for - various positions within the company
• expand his/her skills & abilities
• receive encouragement & support
• feel increased self-confidence & value

The benefits flow both ways, too. This relationship helps the mentor:

• stay abreast of developments within his/her field
• gain a new, fresh perspective
• achieve satisfaction in helping someone on their own road to success
• feel a boost in self-confidence & value

When employees see the company investing this type of time and effort in their learning and growth, they may feel more loyalty towards the company. They feel appreciated and supported in their career growth. This is a big incentive to stay with the company.

Employee retention is a key factor in an organization's success. Helping employees in their career path shows the organization's commitment to the employees and helps build a reciprocal commitment on the employees' part.

Mentoring is of benefit to everyone involved. To learn about the various types of mentorship and the benefits, do some research. There are many books on the subject. As well, we have a session on mentorship in June. Perhaps you'll want to explore it further.

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Reach Your Goals

For our last segment on goal setting, we want to show you an example of an effective action plan. Let's start with this goal: Stop smoking by June 1. I would like to stop immediately but should prepare first. I want to do some research and talk to the doctor about ways to control cravings and tools I can use to help me succeed.

ACTION PLAN TO STOP SMOKING

1. Make appointment with doctor. DUE: Today, April 18
2. Tell supporters my plan and enlist some cheerleaders. DUE: Today, April 18, ongoing
3. Figure out craving triggers (roadblock) and prepare ways to sidestep them. Research current techniques to control cravings. DUE: Start today, April 18, and discuss findings with doctor
4. Buy "the patch" or whatever the doctor recommends. DUE: April 28
5. Throw away all cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, anything to do with smoking. DUE: May 1
6. Wash clothes, bedding, etc. to get rid of smell of smoke. DUE: May 1
7. Clean house thoroughly to get rid of smoke smell (will also help to keep me occupied to keep my mind off smoking). DUE: May 2 - 4
8. Plan rewards for each successful day. DUE: Start today, April 18, ongoing
9. Plan how to handle people who don't support me, like some smoking buddies (roadblocks). Due: May 1
10. See myself as smokefree in three months. Plan the celebration. Involve all five senses when I visualize my success. DUE: August 1

There is most likely a lot more we could put in this action plan, but I think you get the idea. Be very detailed. Anticipate possible roadblocks and setbacks and plan for them.

Like the saying goes, If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That is very true when it comes to reaching goals. Write it all down and review your plan daily and weekly. Reward yourself as you finish each step in your action plan. Reaching the goal is usually a reward in itself, but sometimes we need that added incentive along the way. Stick to it. You can do it. Reaching your goals is possible.

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