Most definitely I value the atypical skills that go "outside the box" from their past experiences. This definitely enhances the "typical" requirements of a position and our learners love it too!
patricia,
It sounds like you had a really good mentor. What did she do that you now do for those you mentor?
Several years ago, I made the switch from a role in Human Resources after 15 years, to a new challenge as an education manager, primarily sales and operations. My mentor was our COO who had confidence that my people skills from HR would be of great use in my new role. Instead of overwhelming me with a new skill set, she took the ones I had, and molded them into my new role along with setting up biweekly operations meeting where we would spend concentrated time on the nuances of sales in the public education environment. Her patience and knowledge, plus her confidence in me really made the transition enjoyable and definitely a worthwhile career choice.
Larry,
Individuals who are seen as "similar others" tend to be the most effective mentors. That is why it is important for us to let students know that we have been where they are and that we had folks to help us in the same ways that we are willing to help them.
I recall 2 supervisors that called me aside when I was gowing through some difficult life changing circumstances that resulted in me not getting to work on time on several occassions and both informed me of their observation and asked if they could be of any assistance or get me some outside help. They both stated they had gone through similar changes at one time or another understood the turbulence very well.
When I attended school I informed several of my instructors that I was interested in teaching. I had one instructor who took the time to discuss all the good things that he enjoyed about teaching. He offered suggestions as to where to obtain additional resources and information. Conversely, I had another instructor who told me all the negatives. He said that it would take me 10years to become an instructor, it doesn't pay well, it is stressful, etc. I obviously focused on the first instructor's comments. That experience has made me always try to encourage my students to pursue there career goals.
Intersting response, Gail. How did Mr. Serling make a personal impact on you?
Rod Serling and the Twighlight Zone series made an impact on how I relate to the human condition.
Thanks, Jeff.
What were some of the specific things your mentor did to instill a professionalism and a work ethic?
One mentor that that I had significantly impacted my early career and helped give the structure necessary to be successful later in my career. He instilled work ethic and professionalism in me at an early age. These ideas are still important to me and effect how I teach my classes today.
kevin,
You have described a very important teacher behavior. Thanks!
My greatest mentor was my grandfather. He always taught me that you take time to put people first. Never talk down to anybody, make them feel important. In the classroom I treat my students the way I expect to be treated. Always talk to them straight across the board. Never make them feel like since I'm the instructor I'm smarter and better than you. The respect I dish out comes right back to me. This puts the whole classroom at ease. And we can get down to whats important, teaching and learning.
Thank you, William.
You were fortunate to have two such individuals in your life. What were some specific ways that your mentors did to "push" you?
I have had 2 very significant mentors in my early years of learning and others later in my career that provided a different type of guidence/support. Because of the application of this class, I will refer to the mentors from early in my development. Both were very differnt in terms of their backrounds, education and experience levels. But each made a huge impact on me because I know they cared about me and wanted to do what they could to help me succeed. Both were very honest, complimenting me only when they meant it and pushing me when they knew I could do better.
My past boss, is now a friend and professional advocate, due to her mentoring. She exuded caring, friendliness, and grace. On the other hand, she would require everyone to be accountable for their practice, professionalism, and support of others. She often recognized and was never seen without a smile, even in adversity.She inspired me to connect with each person as I encounter them and this eventually motivated my career in education.
Having a mentor in life challenged me to go back to school and obtain more education, to treat co-workers and staff fairly, and to work for others and not just for me.
An interesting point, Sunny. In business, as in the military (or sports, for that matter) when we focus on results, objectives or "numbers," we often lose sight of an important fact: they are all results. What is important are the habits, tactics, and daily activities that lead us to the result. By focusing on people as you say, part of which can employ the principles of this course, we can give important issues attention and motivate everyone to do their job, whether soldier, employee or student. When we all do our jobs, results happen naturally I believe.
This is an interesting topic to think about. I once joined a corporation as VP of marketing. The CEO and founder was an in your face, punch you in the guy kind of fellow. At first I resented his treatment of me. Gradually I began to learn that he liked to challenge people and let them rise to almost any level of excellence. No matter how well I did, or how far I had surpassed my objectives, he challenged me further. Eventually I learned that he regarded me very highly, referred to me respectfully and reverently with others, and recognized that I was capable of far more than I realized. He was right. I learned how to empower myself, I learn self-efficacy, and I learned leadership. As I look back I realize that he treated others individually, depending on his evaluation of how much they were capable of, and how they needed to be approached. He gave me a great gift that I needed at that time. I have used his principles and tactics often with students, although not quite as dramatically as he.
Thanks, Richard.
What was it that your mentor saw in you? What did your mentor do to get through to you?
I look forward to reading your responses to these questions and to interacting with you in other discussion forums.
My mentor was able to see something about me that I could not at the time.
