Research about mentoring in organizations indicates that the most successful mentoring occurs when a potential mentor and mentee are attracted to each other because of mutual interests and that special chemistry that brings certain people together. Because this happens less frequently than I'd like to see in organizations, I am working with a major, national university to develop a mentoring program for their staff. We've completed the manual and are working on monthly conversation guides that will help the mentoring pair discuss issues that will enhance the career of the mentee.
To me, one of the most important components of mentoring is the opportunity for the mentor to share a lifetime of information garnered through education, experience and the school of hard knocks. It is like leaving a legacy. The mentor lives on in the success of the people he or she mentors and in the success of the people they mentor in their turn. At a certain point in your career, isn't it time to begin to think about your legacy as well as your current contributions and goals accomplished? What less experienced person is out there to whom your time and attention would make a world of difference?
This is what I have been thinking about today.
Thomas Leonard, the founder of the International Coach Federation, and surely, one of the founders of coaching as a profession, died of a heart attack early this morning. According to ICF President Judy Feld, "The entire coaching profession--and the world--owe a huge debt of gratitude to Thomas for his visionary leadership in the coaching profession and in his conviction that coaches can and shall help the world to be a better place. And Thomas did so. We owe him a very special thanks as founder of the ICF. Thomas was indescribably brilliant, innovative, articulate, passionate, prolific--and loving. There will never be another human being like him, and it is difficult to envision a world without Thomas Leonard."
Now, this is a man who has left a legacy. Have you thought about yours?
Thomas Leonard's most recent interest: http://www.coachville.com
He was only about 48 years old. Yet, he accomplished so much in such a short time. Reminds me again that life is short.
For more information about coaching and mentoring, visit here:
http://www.humanresources.about.com/cs/coachingmentoring/
Warmly,
Susan
11:38:38 PM
Leaving a Legacy 
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