Remembering My Mentor

In looking back on this seemingly endless year, I realize there are many lessons to be learned if we only take the time. These lessons emerge from our experiences but also from the people we have worked with and learned from. Sometimes it takes unforeseen circumstances for us to stop and reflect on those lessons. Unfortunately, I had such an opportunity as one of my mentors died unexpectedly this year. I have spent a good deal of time reflecting on all he taught me, both personally and professionally. I call this man my teacher and friend for he truly was both. As my first supervisor after graduate school, I was prepared to consider him my boss and nothing more. Fortunately for me, this man was not interested in hierarchies or titles and instead wanted us to be colleagues. Everyone knew I was the “new kid on the block” and everyone understood it was he who was in charge. My supervisor looked past that and was far more interested in working together.  You see, his philosophy was to worry less about titles and to focus on surrounding himself with talented and dedicated people who would give 100% of their efforts. This man knew that when you treat colleagues (even your subordinates) like professionals and nurture them, they will give you their best efforts. If you appreciate what people bring to an organization, they are more likely to give freely of their time and their talent. As my supervisor, he supported and encouraged me both during my successes and my challenging times. I will forever be in his debt for how he allowed me to learn from my mistakes and be proud of my successes. I can’t help but wonder what a difference it would make if more supervisors were to treat their staff with such respect: If they truly mentored those who work for them and viewed each person as a professional with great potential if given the opportunity to shine.