Thursday, November 21, 2013

KMC #9) COMMITMENT (Part 2 ... a little late)

Key Mentorship Characteristics (KMC) 



We had so many great things happening last month that we missed getting this one posted to the BLOG. (Our BAD!)  

Still focused on the role of “COMMITMENT” in Mentorship relationships, we invite you to comment and respond to this discussion on Key Characteristics found within Healthy Mentoring Relationships.

* IN THIS POST - Some collected thoughts on the significance of this KMC.




Here are a few comments that we wanted to share with you on this topic:


There is a great little story regarding the farm animals that decided to throw a party for the farmer who had worked so hard to make their home a wonderful place. They decided to make the farmer breakfast, and bacon and eggs were chosen for the menu. As they were finalizing their plans, the PIG thought for a moment and said, “I think that we’ll need to reconsider the menu.” 
"Why is that,” said the CHICKEN? 
“Well,” said the PIG, “for you, making the good farmer breakfast involves a simple contribution. For me, it requires making a total commitment!” (Smile)

When we think of COMMITMENT, who do we think of? One of the people that comes to my mind is that of Mother Theresa, a woman who was recognized for showing compassion to the poorest of the poor, in a life of service. That’s a great example of commitment - a commitment to people.


When I speak with business owners and managers, they'll frequently bemoan the work ethic that they see in their own work places and places of employment. They'll say, “Where is the COMMITMENT; where is the loyalty; where are the people willing to do an honest day’s work?”  Those are all very good questions, and I'm sure they are sincerely asked by many business and civic leaders.  But don't you think it strange that in many instances, it is the same people complaining about these disgruntled workers who hired these people into their organizations. The question one might asked is, "What changed these once enthusiastic, vibrant individuals into demotivated, complaining staff?" How do you get these once brilliant, energetic and productive people back, and engaged in your work place?


I often tell audiences of potential entrepreneurs and business owners that they now have an opportunity in the businesses they create to establish the type of work environment that they wished they had when they worked for someone else.


IF ... we expect to see COMMITMENT in others, we need to be prepared to show COMMITMENT in return.  It seems fairly straight forward, but perhaps we could still do better on the latter.  We can't change the past, but we can commit to working for a better tomorrow!  Anybody else 'in' on that?  (Smile)


NOW - Please feel free to share your comments and experiences with respect to this aspect of mentorship.  Also, help us to reach others who could benefit from participating in this discussion. We welcome your 'sharing' this page with those in your circle of contacts!



Questions:

  • What is the role of COMMITMENT within a mentoring relationship?
  • What does COMMITMENT mean to you?
  • How is COMMITMENT developed between the mentoring partners?