I’ve seen far too many examples recently of mid-level talent navigating their careers without a mentor and frankly, it shocks me. Through decades of business, and generations of talent, most successful leaders credit good mentors – and there’s good reason why. They change the trajectory of careers, make good people into great leaders and might just be your ticket to success.
I learned this lesson in January 2005 – it was my first Edelman Trust Barometer “season” and I was organizing the Washington D.C. event. In the craziness of last minute details for the event, my boss yelled at my colleague and me for no reason. I was confused but took a deep breath and went back to my nametag organization, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Mike Deaver, the late Edelman vice chair and Ronald Reagan’s Chief of Staff, who I didn’t realize until then, saw the whole thing happen. As I began to apologize for the disruption, he interrupted me and said something I will never forget – “You won’t always have a good boss, but you can always have a great mentor.”
“Do you know any good ones?” I replied with a smile. He gestured for me to sit, pulled up a chair next to me and explained that for any company to work well, everyone has to know who they are and what their role is. He confirmed that my role in this whole thing was exactly where I was – finalizing the nametags so that when the event began, they were ready for attendees.
On our walk back to our office after the event, I got up the courage to ask him to be my “official” mentor. He laughed and replied, “Did you learn something new from me today?”
“Yes. A lot,” I said questioningly.
“Well then I already am. And my first advice is don’t have just one.”
Years later, he told me the origin of the direction he gave me that day. He was working for then Governor Reagan’s campaign when a man said to Reagan, “I know who you are. You are Ray Milland. Will you sign this piece of paper for me?” Reagan signed the paper Ray Milland and then walked on. Mike asked him why he didn’t correct the man and Reagan replied, “I know who I am.”
Who is your mentor? If you don’t have one, go ask the person you respect most in your workplace to be yours…and think about something you can offer them. I promise you it is the best free career “training” you can find. And do me a favor? In honor of Mike, don’t make them your only one.
Katie Carter, director of Global Specialist Talent.