ProVision - Exploring Mentorship

Friday, June 30, 2017

Business Start-Up? Mentoring Helps!

What motivates an entrepreneur to jump on to the 'field of play' get into the game? What ignites that spark inside and takes them from the 'relative comfort' of the traditional work-world in to the often 'chaotic world' of business? Perhaps a Mentor was involved in the decision-making process, inspiring them to 'venture out' on their own! Certainly, a Mentor can be very helpful for entrepreneurs as they continue along in their journey. In fact, it would be wise to gain insight from a number of Mentors as you grow in your own experience as an entrepreneur. We definitely encourage building these important Mentoring relationships. (More regarding a service we provide at the end of this post.)

We often think that MONEY is what motives people to consider having a business of their own, but that's not always the case. I just did a quick Internet search on the phrase, "reasons for starting a business" and retrieved 187,000,000 results. That only took 0.68 seconds! Fortunately for both of us, time won't allow for me to review each of those with you now!

Here are some of the points I share with audiences when speaking on the "Reasons Why" Someone May Want to Start a Business" - in no particular order:

A greater sense of personal fulfillment
The freedom to work on your priorities, at your own pace and with your own process
A new challenge and seeking a sense of adventure
Greater personal control over your life and career path
A better use of your personal knowledge, networks, and skills
Profits from the business are yours, not your employer’s (Oops! ... OK - that one relates to money!)

We all have our own reasons for having or wanting a business of our own.

What's your reason? We'd love to hear your comments!

When it comes to becoming an entrepreneur, we've enjoyed working with many who (for whatever reason) have chosen to travel down this road. One way that we've assisted communities and organizations that support those looking at starting new business ventures is through our Business Start-Up Series. It's a facilitated, collaborative process - one where we work with participating partners to provide attendees with a valuable introduction, moving them forward in aspects of their business start-up, development and growth. And within a group setting, we do see elements of peer-to-peer Mentorship taking place.

Recently, I had opportunity to follow-up with an attendee from a Business Start-Up Series we facilitated a few years ago in St. Albert, Alberta (Canada). Joanne Guthrie is a "B Pressure Welder" and has worked in Alberta’s industrial sector doing maintenance and repair work for the past 18 years. But Joanne has always had a passion for creating art. From the wire sculptures she developed as a child, she's now using her industrial skills from the trades to fashion creative pieces of art out of welded metal!

At the time we first met Joanne, the Alberta economy was taking a significant hit and she knew she was ready to make that transition from employee to being an artist with a business of her own - JSG Welding - Artistic Welding Furniture + Art.

Reflecting back on her experience in the Business Start-Up Series, Joanne shared the following: "The Business Start-Up Series has helped me develop my business in many ways. The materials provided information in a straight forward format and were valuable in taking my business to the next level. Participating helped me to better explain my business to others, to locate my target market, and to gain new customers!

In addition, the guest speakers chosen were a perfect fit and they became a valuable resource, using much of what they recommended. Whether it was aspects of research that helped me locate potential customers, or experienced business owners who shared their stories of overcoming obstacles, I was encouraged to focus on my strengths and move forward. Joining the Chamber of Commerce and attending business networking events was wonderful for sharing awareness of my business with the community. In my opinion, the entire Business Start-Up Series was very well organized. The class size was small and intimate, which made it very comfortable for lively discussions. It's been eye opening for me, and I would definitely recommend attending an upcoming series for any new business!"

To bring things current, Joanne is very pleased to say, "Things are definitely moving in positive directions for me. I've decided to do more public art calls for the surrounding city's and to move more of my art into galleries. It's a very exciting transition."

ONE KEY PIECE OF ADVICE: For those looking to start or grow their business, Joanne says: "I feel that networking is the most important thing to do when you are starting or growing a business. The more people you talk to ... the more comfortable you get! In the beginning, you can feel timid - but word of mouth is the best way to 'get' your business out there!"

Many of Joanne’s pieces of furniture and art can be seen on her website, Instagram and Facebook. Those interested in acquiring her work, either finished or commissioned pieces, are invited to contact her directly. Additional information and links to her social media platforms can be found on Joanne’s website at: www.jsgwelding.com

ALSO - Here's the link ... to a 2-minute video we put together to introduce the unique display stands Joanne made for one of her clients. "Dinosaur Bones" ... most appropriate, given the purpose for which these stands were created!

CLICK HERE to view the video.

"EXTRA" - The St. Albert Gazette published a story regarding Joanne on February 17, 2016 (Michelle Ferguson). At the time of our preparing this post it was still available.

CLICK HERE to view/read that story.

We’ve enjoyed working with Joanne and look forward to her continued success as an Artist and Entrepreneur in Alberta.

QUESTION: Could you benefit from having a Business COACH and MENTOR?

IF the ANSWER is YES ... Take a look at our "NEXT Steps Program!

If you're looking for flexible and cost-effective Business Coaching & Mentoring, you'll like our “NEXT Steps - Program”. It's been created with you in mind, and provides 12 months of valuable assistance that designed to fit your busy schedule!

For more information see:

"Option 3 – “PVS – NEXT Steps - Business Coaching & Mentoring Program”
It's listed on our Website Registration page:
CLICK HERE

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Making a Difference - Mentorship in Action

Mentorship is a process that involves passing along the expertise and wisdom from an experienced individual (the Mentor) to one who is less experienced in those same areas (the Mentee). In many instances the 'lessons learned' by an individual in a given portion of one's career path, will serve them well in other segments of their career path. These insights can also be transferred to others as they are shared through mentorship!

With that as an introduction, we'd like to share something with you that we've just posted for those following our "Business Success" BLOG. We've replicated the post here because of the tremendous value we feel it offers to those interested in the development of others. In a sense, it addresses the importance of 'giving back' - something that is found at the very foundation of high-quality Mentoring relationships.

I personally trust that you'll find this to be helpful, as it's something that I've shared with virtually every audience that I've been privileged to address - whether it's entrepreneurial focused, or otherwise. This principle really is that important, and here is what it is:

Find a worthwhile cause, one that you truly believe is making a difference, and then build creative ways of supporting that cause through your entrepreneurial venture!

For some, having their own business allows them to continue and expand the support they've provided to great causes in the past. For others, this is brand new territory! But it's an exciting opportunity to build on the things you personally value, align them with priorities for your business, and take that support to an entirely new level! Regardless of the path you take, be sure to incorporate that important step, and lend a ‘helping hand’ to some of the many organizations and good causes that are working hard to make a difference in the lives of others!

Here's one story that I'd like to share with you. It was several months ago that I was invited to be the keynote speaker at an annual community breakfast. Seated at my table were Art and Beth Brochu. As we shared conversation over breakfast, Art told me of the fundraising he'd been doing for the Children's Wish Foundation in Alberta. The longer I listened, the more I thought of how absolutely "awesome" this was, so I asked Art to keep me informed, and I promised to share an update with those in my circle of contacts.

So let me tell you just a little about the “Art Cycles for Wishes” fundraiser which is now underway in Alberta!

Art’s cycling journey will again be raising awareness and donations for the Children's Wish Foundation – a Canadian organization that's helped nearly 25,000 sick children and their families. Art will be riding his bicycle a distance of 5,300 km from Fort Hills, Alberta on May 1, 2017, through numerous communities across Alberta, and will conclude on July 20, 2017 at Edmonton City Hall.

Now, as if 5,300 km isn’t a ‘daunting enough’ goal, one that would cause many well-conditioned individuals to step back from the challenge, let me assure you that Art’s been ‘around the block’ a few times. This isn’t his ‘first bike ride', and he’s no rookie! In fact, in 2014, at 70 years of age, Art cycled 9,285 km across Canada for the same worthy cause!

As he did then, this military veteran will be speaking with audiences along the way about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As we’re now learning, PTSD not only affects "First Responders" - those in occupations such as Fire, Emergency Medical Personnel, Police and Military, but it can also affect anyone that’s experienced a significant lost. His hope in sharing this message is to help raise awareness of PTSD, it's impact in all of our lives, and the important message that ‘help is available’ to those affected.

Art Brochu has done a lot for this cause, but he's very quick to thank all who've supported their efforts. Many have jumped onboard: Alberta communities and Lion's Clubs International have banded with caring individuals along this route and beyond to show their support - hosting events along Art's cycling route, donating funds, and raising awareness in their local areas.

Art's adventure is now underway. It began with a rougher than anticipated start and a few unexpected delays. Add to that, some 'colder than normal' temperatures' and a heavy spring snowfall across much of the region. But it’s the warmth and generosity of people that continues to propel Art and his team forward. As has been said, "Wishes Work Wonders and create lasting, happy family memories."

To close, we say: “Great work Art ... You're making a difference; ride on!” And we'll simply add that this serves as a fine example of finding and supporting a worthwhile cause.

To follow Art Brochu and offer your encouragement and support during his Alberta Ride for the Children's Wish Foundation, please contact:

Art Brochu, “Art Cycles for Wishes”

P: (780) 975-3541

E: abrochu@telusplanet.net

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Tips to Improve Mentoring at a Distance

More and more it's been our experience that clients are looking for ways to "tap into" Mentoring expertise in ways that are increasingly more convenient for them. And who can blame them for that - convenience is something we all seek, as we're challenged to meet increasing demands and expectations, while at the same time, working with fewer available resources, not the least of which is time!

We've enjoyed using technology to connect with many of our clients and find that the distances between us can be 'reasonably' offset when proper attention is paid to strengthening the quality of the relationship between the Mentor and Mentee.

Professor David Clutterbuck

We deeply appreciate the insights provided by Professor David Clutterbuck - Practice Lead, David Clutterbuck Partnership (Slough, United Kingdom) on how "Virtual Mentoring" can be made more effective. Over a number of posts we've shared his comments which have included mentoring by email, telephone and Skype / teleconference.

This Post continues from two earlier that can be seen on August 26, 2016 and February 27, 2017. Both of which have served as a foundation with respect to "Mentoring over Distances". With this final post in this series, Professor Clutterbuck addresses some important considerations in order to conduct effective mentoring when distances are involved.

Using Remote Mentoring Media Effectively

Mentoring by email

Useful guidelines here include:

· Agree clear protocols. For example

o Avoid using capitals, unless you want to shout

o Don’t send large attachments

o Mentees should give enough detail of the situation for the mentor to understand and ask pertinent questions, but not so much that they drown in detail

o Whether and how to share documentation

· Where appropriate, indicate strong emotions with emoticons or some other form of agreed marker

· Agree a maximum frequency of email and a maximum response time

· Make good use of the reflection time by creating a draft, then letting it percolate for half an hour or more, before sending

· As in a face to face relationship, take time at the beginning to get to know each other. For example, exchange emails about your learning journey, your passions, your previous experience of mentoring etc

· Check the meaning and words and phrases, to ensure that you have understood each other’s intent

· Just as in face to face mentoring, remember to establish a measure of rapport at the beginning of each virtual mentoring session. Demonstrate an interest in each other as people, rather than just in the issue the mentee brings

· E-mail mentoring conversations need structure just as much as face to face ones. Useful questions in creating structure include:

o What is the issue you’d like to explore?

o Why is it important to you? Why now?

o What do you genuinely know? What do you think you know? What do you feel?

o What level/ kind of resolution are you looking for? (Or do you perhaps just want to examine the issue from other perspectives?)

· Review and recap more frequently than you might with face to face mentoring, to ensure that you are both on the same wavelength. In particular, ask the mentee to reflect on whether their perception of the issue, which they have brought for discussion, has now changed

· As with face to face mentoring, aim to review the relationship once every few meetings, to establish what you could each do to make it even more effective.

Telephone and Skype/ teleconference mentoring

Useful guidelines include:

· Ensure that you are both in an environment, where there will be no interruptions or distractions

· Re-establish the human connection at the beginning

· Have a protocol for dealing with silence – for example, that you will wait for up to two minutes before asking another question, or checking in

· Agree whether and how you will exchange supporting documentation during the mentoring conversation

· Have a clear agenda

· Only record the conversation with each other’s permission

· As with face to face mentoring, aim to review the relationship once every few meetings, to establish what you could each do to make it even more effective.

Source: Professor David Clutterbuck - David Clutterbuck Partnership

Coaching and Mentoring International Ltd

www.coachingandmentoringinternational.org

We've found that "Virtual Mentoring" can work when it's done right. Add a comment to this post - we'd be pleased to hear of your experiences, tips and suggestions that can make Mentoring over distances more effective! Please let us know your thoughts that we'd be pleased to also share with our readers in the future.

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"Option 3 – “PVS – NEXT Steps - Business Coaching & Mentoring Program”
It's listed on our Website Registration page:
CLICK HERE

Monday, March 27, 2017

Mentoring Your Corporate Culture

It's been a busy few months of Business Coaching and providing Mentorship for entrepreneurs!

Between our work in program development and facilitation with business organizations and associations, there's been a steady stream of client referrals and project engagements offering a wide array of creative possibilities!

Still, it's important for us to be involved with the business community, and we try to attend a number of events each year. At one networking luncheon I asked an attendee why he decided to start his own business. In response he said that after having resisted the 'entrepreneurial urge' for a long time, he’d finally ‘had enough’ of the toxic corporate culture he’d endured for years where he'd been employed! We had an interesting conversation, and I applaud him for taking action on a key message I’ve shared with business audiences over the years. That message is: "Those who start their own businesses 'chart' their own course." In other words: “One of the great advantages of being an entrepreneur is that you have the opportunity to create the type of corporate culture that you wished you had when you were an employee.”

Shaping corporate culture is both a privilege and the responsibility of every business owner and it’s transmitted through the management team out to every staff member. What’s the message being transmitted within your organization?

Whether it's through a formal mentorship channel, or through something more indirect, corporate culture is formed over time, layer upon layer as we go about our daily routines. Those within the organization look to those in leadership, and learn what is acceptable and what is not. More often than not, things are not clearly defined and documented for others to read. As someone once said, "Corporate Culture isn't something that is taught, rather, it's something that is caught!” That's why Mentorship is so important to cultivating a positive and healthy Corporate Culture.

This post reminded me of a LinkedIn article written by Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO at O2E Brands. I contacted Brian shortly after he published his article in December 2015 and I asked for permission to share that with my audience. (Thank you Brian!) Rather than simply repost his article, I'm going to encourage our viewers to read his full article on Brian Scudamore’s LinkedIn profile. Here is a direct link to the post called "3 Tips To Create A Workplace Culture That Employees Love”.

Briefly, Scudamore mentioned a story from the New York Times and the corporate culture experienced by some employees at Amazon. He then highlights that corporate culture plays a critical role in areas such as: morale, hiring, productivity and profitability. For business owners and entrepreneurs, Scudamore says that it comes down to making a choice ... that choice is to create and cultivate an organization that is beneficial to all of those involved in its success, or to have one that seeks only to satisfy the interests of shareholders.

For those who feel that their corporate culture has somehow gone 'way off the rails' ... it may be time to consider taking some drastic action. And that appears to be exactly what Scudamore did, when in 1994 he said he fired all of his employees. To pick up from there, and in his own words, he said, "I had an epiphany and realized that culture is everything. From that moment on, I decided that our people and our culture would come first. To reinforce that choice and make myself accountable, I even posted “It’s all about people” in the front entrance of our office, in huge vinyl letters for everyone to see. It’s still there today reminding us of that commitment."

In his article, Brian Scudamore shared three culture building tips that he's gathered from his years of business experience. And while we again encourage you to read the full story, here's our quick summary of those three tips:

Tip 1: Create a high-energy workplace. Create an environment where people love to do the work they love, and everyone benefits.

Tip 2: Give employees space to dream — on and off the job. Recognize that your team members also have dreams, and by giving them an outlet to express them, you increase their level of engagement, and may even generate some awesome initiatives.

Tip 3: Share the wealth with your employees. Employees who feel like owners have a real incentive to contribute to the company’s success. The best profit-sharing programs ... result in an office environment where people are excited to share in the outcome.

Those are some great tips from Brian Scudamore, and we appreciate his sharing them in even more detail through his own post on LinkedIn. Please give that a read.

NOW - What have you seen that contributes
to an improved Corporate Culture?

Add your "Mentoring" comments and suggestions below
and we'll look forward to sharing your insights with others!

QUESTION: Are there areas of your business planning that could benefit from having a BUSINESS COACH and MENTOR?

IF the ANSWER is YES ... Take a look at our "NEXT Steps Program!

If you're looking for flexible and cost-effective Business Coaching & Mentoring, you'll like our “NEXT Steps - Program”. It's been designed with you in mind, and provides 12 months of valuable assistance that designed to fit your busy schedule!

For more information see:

"Option 3 – “PVS – NEXT Steps - Business Coaching & Mentoring Program”

You'll find it listed on our Website Registration page:

CLICK HERE

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Closing the Distance with Mentorship

It's quite remarkable, don't you think? The progress that's been made over the years in the speed with which we can travel is absolutely remarkable!

From the limited distances that could be covered, first by simply walking, then aided by horse & wagon, to the power that was available through invention of the automobile, and exponentially increased with the use of airplanes, jets and space travel. It's almost incomprehensible!

With the use of improved technology we have significantly decreased the time it takes to get from one place to another. Distance it seems, is no longer a barrier. That is, unless we choose to let it be a barrier.

So can Mentorship be effectively carried out over distances that limit traditional in-person, face-to-face interactions? It's a question that we've asked before, and we've received some encouraging responses!

From a personal perspective, at Pro-Vision Solutions Inc. we've enjoyed connecting with, coaching and mentoring a number of individuals using methods similar to those mentioned in this post by one of our favourite Mentoring Experts, Professor David Clutterbuck - Practice Lead, David Clutterbuck Partnership (Slough, United Kingdom).

Professor David Clutterbuck

In this post, Professor Clutterbuck looks at the advantages and disadvantages involved in:

"Mentoring via Telephone or Skype/Teleconference" ...

This continues a conversation that is found in our Post of August 26, 2016 where we addressed Mentoring through the use of E-Mail.

As noted in the earlier post, each method has both disadvantages and advantages when compared to face-to-face mentoring.

Telephone mentoring

The main advantage of telephone mentoring is that, like e-mail, it can be “just-in-time”. While it lacks the visual clues of face-to-face, it is still possible to glean a lot of information from auditory clues – how passionately the other person speaks, when they hesitate, etc. The disadvantage is that it’s difficult to build in time for reflection – when someone is silent, it’s hard to tell if they are still there!

Mentoring by Skype or Teleconference

When the technology works, these conversations can be a close approximation to face-to-face sessions. However, it may not always be possible to arrange meetings of sufficient length at short notice.

Mixed media mentoring

Many mentoring programmes employ mixed media mentoring – use of any or all the above media, along with some face to face, where possible. The advantage of this approach is that it allows a flexible response to a wide range of situations.

Source: Professor David Clutterbuck - David Clutterbuck Partnership
Coaching and Mentoring International Ltd
www.coachingandmentoringinternational.org

What's been your experience with Mentoring relationships that take place when greater distances separate the mentoring partners?

Can this type of mentorship work?
What would be the greatest challenge the participants would have to overcome?

Let us know your thoughts and we'd be pleased to share your helpful insights with our readers in the future! What are your suggestions and insights with respect to long-distance Mentoring Relationships?

We'd love to hear from you and share your Mentoring experiences.

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QUESTION: Could you benefit from having a Business COACH and MENTOR?
IF the ANSWER is YES ... Take a look at our "NEXT Steps Program!

If you're looking for flexible and cost-effective Business Coaching & Mentoring, you'll like our “NEXT Steps - Program”. It's been created with you in mind, and provides 12 months of valuable assistance that designed to fit your busy schedule!

For more information see:

"Option 3 – “PVS – NEXT Steps - Business Coaching & Mentoring Program”

It's listed on our Website Registration page:
CLICK HERE

Thursday, January 19, 2017

The Roots of Mentorship

Political Intrigue, Drama, Uncertainty, and Suspense

... all cast within a framework of high-stakes regional and international geo-political unrest. Strong, Forceful Personalities, Influence, Money, Position and Power, combined with Personal Honour, Integrity, and Reputation. (WOW!)

Although it contains many of the same ingredients that can be found in today's news, this post is actually going to take us back in time, and touch on the Roots of Mentorship!

One of the oldest stories to address the ability of Mentorship to shape and develop a young life is found within, The Odyssey - Homer's epic tale, written around the end of the 8th Century BCE.

The story follows the wanderings of Odysseus and his ship's crew in their many valiant attempts to make their way home after the Trojan War.

The Odyssey is a fascinating, 'action-packed' adventure complete with chaos, craftiness, and helpful interventions when needed! Much transpires over this 10-year journey. Yet, as amazing as this is for Odysseus, so too is the transformation that takes place within his son, Telemachus.

Mentorship is very much 'at play' back in Ithaca where it can be seen as a developmental tool helping Telemachus grow from a young lad into manhood. Throughout this process Telemachus is guided by the goddess Athena, disguised and revealed to us in the character known as Mentor. Through Mentor's insightful and timely council, Telemachus grows in wisdom, strength and maturity. With the whereabouts of Odysseus unknown, all but a few now presume him to be dead. In his absence, many sought the opportunity to wed Penelope (faithful wife to Odysseus) and step into the position of power created by his absence. Ultimately, Telemachus stands side-by-side with his father and is seen more as an equal in a climactic confrontation with Penelope's would-be suitors.

There are so many wonderful lessons that can be learned from this classic story. And we were delighted to speak with and video record comments provided by Marilynne Miles Gray, Co-Owner of Corporate Mentoring Solutions Inc. in Victoria, British Columbia (Canada). Website: http://www.mentoring-solutions.com/

Marilynne is an educator and writer with a life-long interest in many disciplines and Mentorship. She is currently developing a line of STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) educational products for young learners, in the form of 5-day, team adventure camps. Her products aim to help students learn how to solve problems in a multi-facetted world, better understand the relevance of what happens in the real world when different fields intersect, and encourage young learners to consider careers in the rapidly-growing STEAM fields.

We enjoyed meeting with both Marilynne Miles Gray and her husband, Dr. William A. Gray on one of our trips to British Columbia. They have contributed some very valuable work and research in areas of mentorship and education. Below is a link to our video upload that came from our conversation with Marilynne. Other videos from that meeting on the topic of Mentorship are also on our YouTube Channel.

One of the key observations made by Marilynne relates to the important distinction between holding a position of authority VS fulfilling the role of leadership.

QUESTIONS - Your comments on this post would be appreciated to the following questions, after viewing the video that follows:

1) In what ways do you see Mentorship being helpful in the development of leaders?

2) Marilynne talked about some of the examples she's seen of variations of Mentorship that people may have experienced. What other forms of Mentorship have you experienced? (Perhaps from an advisor, counsellor, instructor, teacher, guide, supervisor)

3) When we think of the early beginnings or "Roots of Mentorship", what examples would you suggest?

4) How would you describe the difference between holding a position of authority VS fulfilling the role of leadership, without mentioning the specific names of individuals or organization.

CLICK HERE to view our VIDEO and

the valuable perspectives provided by

Marilynne Miles Gray in our interview.

FYI - For those interested in a valuable refresher on Homer's story of "The Odyssey" we enjoyed going through the rich details found in "Cliff's Notes".
* A good starting point might be the summary that can be found by CLICKING HERE.