Thanksgiving for Mentors

As I have moved further along in my career; I have become increasingly thankful for the mentors that I have.

I have to admit, I didn't really grasp the mentoring concept in the early days of my career.

Like many people at large companies, my introduction to the mentoring concept was very formal. Formal mentoring relationships are usually assigned – an organization guides the program from start to finish. They remind me a little of the concept of arranged marriages.

In contrast, informal mentoring relationships develop on their own – a person approaches a possible mentor and that person ends up forming an organic relationship. For me, they seem more like professionally-inspired, multifaceted friendships. I’m pretty sure we’ve never even mentioned the word ‘mentor.’

I think there is a place for both kinds – formal and informal. I’m just saying that in my experience, the informal ones have been much more robust.

Given that it's Thanksgiving time, there are a few people who deserve an enormous thank you. Thanks for having no agenda. …for giving honest and worthwhile advice - constructive feedback. …for explaining ‘what’s really is going on,’ for thinking out loud, being open-minded, listening, walking in my shoes, being approachable and transparent, letting me learn from your sobering mistakes, and for having faith.

As Sir Isaac Newton said,

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

At this point, I am humbled by the people in my professional life. You've built some of the largest companies in the world, championed disruptive innovation, changed our communities, put some 'We the People' back into government, and carried the torch of servant leadership in so many ways. There is so much to learn from your experiences.

I’ll do my best to ‘pay it forward.’

Dan is the President and CEO of CaseStack, a Board Member of The Center for Retailing Excellence, and the author of Collaborate: The Art of We.

Photo: Wikimedia - from the Library of Congress, Rosenwald 4.

alwyn rodrigues

Sr. Battery Consultant

10y

Usually the best mentors are those who pass on their guidance and knowledge in such away that the learner thinks it is his own idea and intelligence which has made him successful. Therefore it is rare for mentors to get any thanks. Anyway a mentor does what he does without expecting any thanks for it.

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Mariana G.

Senior Client Executive | Cyber Leader, Marsh Cyprus

10y

Excellent post. Thank you. I will always be grateful and do my best to 'pay it forward'.

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Rajendra Singh

Dy Manager Terminal Ops at Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd

10y

Its realy interesting one, thanks.

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Awesome post about a subject very close to my heart. My mentor has helped transform the way I see myself, others and what I feel is possible for my life. If you look at anyone who has succeeded at any significant level; there are few things these people have in common - they have a compelling vision, surround themselves with like-minded people and are mentored in order to become mentors. Those who receive true mentorship will feel naturally compelled to pay it forward....

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Ullas Kanagal

Director of Business Operations at Veadik Consultants

10y

Thanks Dan for putting light on the Mentors...it was short and sweet.....I too thank my my mentors who are always there for us all the time with appropriate advice...

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