Mentoring

My mom passed away suddenly in 2006. As I was preparing the memorial service and reception to follow, I asked the caterer to prepare for approximately 60 people. Atleast 200 people came. In 2004, my mom was honored nationally in Ottawa where she received a Leadership Award, which hangs on my office wall and inspires me everyday to do great things.

I didn't know most of the people who attended, but at the reception I found out why many were there: "Your mom mentored me". "Because of your mom ...." followed by amazing stories of their individual achievements in which my mom played some type of a role.

I attended a workshop today entitled The Management Mix: Mentoring Librarians for the Realities of Management:


Why Mentoring Matters:

1. Goes beyond training.
2. Develops leaders and future mentors.
3. Develops and enriches the skills and abilities of proteges.
4. Strengthens the organization and corporate culture and/or recommits to organization.
5. Promotes diversity of thought and style.
6. Builds a culture of engaged employees.
6. Proteges gain assistance with career development.
7. Assists with succession planning.
8. Provides opportunities for managers who have hit a career plateau.
9. Fosters a collaborative environment.
10. Gains satisfaction and pride in sharing knowledge and experiences.
11. Provides the protege a safe environment to ask questions and express viewpoints in confidence and without judgement ...