ProVision - Exploring Mentorship

Thursday, November 9, 2017

"Mentor Me" - Dr. William A. Gray

MENTORSHIP can help accelerate the growth and development of individuals, regardless of their career path and direction!

Mentorship frequently helps a Mentee advance and achieve greater levels of success within the businesses and organizations where they work.

... INTERESTED?

Having worked with entrepreneurs for more than 30 years, I’ve seen Mentorship provide them with a valuable support structure, accelerating them towards a more successful future through timely access to an experienced business mentor. Effective Mentorship can lead to improvements in productivity, reduction of exposure to unnecessary risk, and a maximizing of potential growth opportunities - something that's definitely positive at any time, but even more so as the competitive landscape becomes increasingly challenging.

A number of years ago, we had the opportunity to meet and then collaboratively work with Dr. William Gray from Victoria, BC. Dr. Gray has set up more than 150 Mentorship Programs and has an impressive track record in developing mentorship programs internationally. A number of his valuable insights have been shared through video clips on our YouTube Channel and those "links" are provided further below for your convenience.

In this Post, and with his permission, we've featured a short, reflective piece written by Dr. Gray called: "Mentor Me". He kindly added the following for our readers which we feel 'sets the stage' with some of the background that went into his putting this piece together:

"Formalized Mentoring Programs are started to benefit Proteges. For this to occur, effective Mentors equip Proteges with what they know – such as practical know-how and wisdom – to help them get up to speed, learn the ropes, fit in to the organization, and perform work with competence. Effective Mentors also empower what Proteges want to learn, do and become – so that they can make unique contributions based on their dreams, passions and diversity. My poem (Mentor Me) describes some of the mentoring assistance that produces these outcomes – so that Proteges not only receive various types of assistance they need, but they also learn how to provide effective mentoring themselves."

Please enjoy ...

As mentioned earlier, here are "links" to our YouTube video clips with Dr. Gray:

1) “Mentoring Conversations (Program Overviews)” is located at:
http://youtu.be/v16AYmcVREU

2) “Making Mentoring Relationships Work" is located at:
https://youtu.be/jQWWqmQudPE

3) “Mentorship Tips and Insights” is located at:
https://youtu.be/5JMz7iDfTsQ

PLEASE feel free to share your comments to our post.
We'd be very pleased to hear from you and let others benefit from comments related to your experiences for improving Mentoring Relationships.

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

IF SO ... Please take a look at our "NEXT Steps" Program!

Our “NEXT Steps - Program” provides flexible and cost-effective Business Coaching & Mentoring for entrepreneurs. It can be tailored to fit your busy schedule and was designed to provide you with 12 months of valuable assistance!

For more information see:

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

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

Monday, October 9, 2017

FREE EXPRESSION in Mentoring

How important is FREE EXPRESSION to the success of a Mentoring relationship?

Here are a few quick and important thoughts from business leaders we’ve interviewed in the past. We’ve combined their comments on this important point together for your convenience and made them available in a video on our YouTube Channel. In addition, we’ve captured the essence of their comments and placed then further below in this post. We’ve also provided links to additional video interviews we’ve had with each business leader addressing other aspects of Mentorship. You’ll be able to click on their name to take you to those additional video resources.

Enjoy the Mentorship journey!

Seen below are some of the key points that were raised by our experienced panel of Mentorship and Business Experts on this topic!

We’d ask you to consider how FREE EXPRESSION in the Mentorship relationship could be improved as you view the video and invite you to add your comments or experience to either our BLOG Post or in the comments section of our video on YouTube.

NOW, please enjoy the video on this topic and you can also read the comments provided by our experts on this topic:

* Norm Greenwood - Greenwood 2 Management

This is a key piece to the puzzle. It all has to come together: respect, honest … it’s all needed

* David Saxby - Spark Communications Inc.

Open and honest communication is needed in order to be able to say what’s on your mind

* Al Petersen - Petersen Buick GMC

Needed from the outset, without restrictions on what’s open for conversation
You can always learn something from others - even when the conversation goes in a different direction, and the learning comes as a surprise, either from conversations with customers or with staff!

* Claire Clark - Aboriginal Women's Professional Association

As a Mentee, it’s important to be open to tell the other person what you’re looking for in Mentorship. And for the Mentor, be willing to provide the Mentee with honest responses that will help them develop

* Jared Smith, Principal at "Incite"

Be open to a dialog. In other words, it’s saying that I’m OK to share things with you that may or may not help - things that may be deeper issues …

* Peter Bradbury, MBA, CA - Calgary Volunteer Business Mentor (Retired)

It’s usually a problem-solving exercise where help is required. After trust develops there is a building of things where it often takes time to develop a clearer understanding of what’s happening now, This can lead to a better understanding of the aspirations of the entrepreneur. Exploring what are they looking for out of their business, and beyond that … out of life?

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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 monthsof valuable assistance, 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, September 9, 2017

COLLABORATION in Mentoring

How important is COLLABORATION to the success of a Mentoring relationship?

Here are a few quick and important thoughts from business leaders we’ve interviewed in the past. We’ve combined their comments on this important point together for your convenience and made them available in a video on our YouTube Channel. In addition, we’ve captured the essence of their comments and placed then further below in this post. We’ve also provided links to additional video interviews we’ve had with each business leader addressing other aspects of Mentorship. You’ll be able to click on their name to take you to those additional video resources.

Enjoy the Mentorship journey!

Seen below are some of the key points that were raised by our experienced panel of Mentorship and Business Experts on this topic!

We’d ask you to consider how COLLABORATION in the Mentorship relationship could be improved as you view the video and invite you to add your comments or experience to either our BLOG Post or in the comments section of our video on YouTube.

NOW, please enjoy the video on this topic and you can also read the comments provided by our experts on this topic:

* David Saxby - Spark Communications Inc.

Both the Mentor and Mentee have something of value to contribute: skill sets, knowledge and ideas to share

* Claire Clark - Aboriginal Women's Professional Association

It’s a partnership - Requiring working together and effort on both parts

* Norm Greenwood - Greenwood 2 Management

Working together, cooperating to make things work

* Jared Smith, Principal at "Incite"

The relationship requires that both come together prepared to listen, share stories and follow-up on commitments

* Peter Bradbury, MBA, CA - Calgary Volunteer Business Mentor (Retired)

It’s a sharing of ideas and working to build them

* Al Petersen - Petersen Buick GMC

Team work with your people, individuals and groups working to do it together

* Dr. William A. Gray - Mentoring Solutions

Mentoring is reciprocal - it’s two-way
It’s Empower and Equip the Protégé/Mentee

FYI - Additional video interviews with Dr. William A. Gary can be seen by clicking the following:

Dr. William A. Gary on Mentoring Tips & Insights

Dr. William A. Gary on Mentoring Relationships

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

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

Sunday, August 20, 2017

“COMMITMENT” in Mentoring

How important is COMMITMENT to the success of a Mentoring relationship?

Enjoy the Mentorship journey!

Seen below are some of the key points that were raised by our experienced panel of Mentorship and Business Experts on this topic!

We’d ask you to consider how COMMITMENT in the Mentorship relationship could be improved as you view the video and invite you to add your comments or experience to either our BLOG Post or in the comments section of our video on YouTube.

NOW, please enjoy the video on this topic and you can also read the comments provided by our experts on this topic:

* Jared Smith, Principal at "Incite"

Critical for both Mentor and Mentee
Show up prepared, Show up for meetings
Be ready, Respect the other person’s time
Take the relationship seriously

* David Saxby - Spark Communications Inc.

Mentorship only works if both parties are committed to do what’s needed
Assignments need to be completed and promises kept

* Al Petersen - Petersen Buick GMC

When you’re involved in something, make sure that you’re really there!
It’s critical for the long-term growth in business and relationships
Work through the tough times and move forward

* Norm Greenwood - Greenwood 2 Management

Keep your part of the Mentorship relationship
Don’t let the other party down

* Dr. William A.Gray - Mentoring Solutions

Mentorship relationships require that dependability is demonstrated
A personal example from his past is described in the video
Share insights and information that helps the other succeed

* Claire Clark - Aboriginal Women's Professional Association

Be there on time, answer the phone call, show up at the Mentorship appointment

* Peter Bradbury, MBA, CA - Calgary Volunteer Business Mentor (Retired)

It’s up to both parties to determine the length of the Mentorship relationship
There is a commitment needed by both the Mentor and the Mentee
Time, effort, trust, and developing an understanding of the situation all take time and effort, but they contribute to overall success that’s realized.

FYI - Additional video interviews with Dr. William A. Gary can be seen by clicking the following:

Dr. William A. Gary on Mentoring Tips & Insights

Dr. William A. Gary on Mentoring Relationships

PLEASE feel free to share your comments to our post.

We'd be very pleased to hear from you and let others benefit from comments related to your experiences for improving Mentoring Relationships.

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

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

Monday, July 24, 2017

Equipping & Empowering Mentees - Dr. Wm Gray

Clearly, the primary purpose for establishing a Mentoring relationship is to provide the Mentee with a positive developmental experience and opportunity for growth.

"Equipping and Empowering" the Mentee (Protege) is a very important dynamic that (sadly) is frequently missing in the Mentoring relationships we've seen over the years. While we feel that the Mentee is ultimately responsible to initiate moving forward in the relationship, the Mentor can add great value by finding an appropriate balance between these two positions - "Equipping and Empowering".

Dr. William A. Gray

With this post, we will "revisit" some of the important contributions that have been shown to strengthen the working relationship between Mentors and Mentees.

We've enjoyed getting to know and work on projects with Dr. William Gray from British Columbia (Canada). The following comments were originally shared in our post of May 24, 2016 and in an accompanying YouTube Video where he further discusses aspects of "Equipping" and "Empowering" Mentees with the use of his Mentoring Style Indicator (MSI) tool. Thank you Dr. Gray for your contributions to the building and maintaining of healthy mentoring relationships!

Why Mentoring Style Flexibility is Essential

By Dr. William A. Gray
President, Mentoring Solutions

Researchers of mentoring agree that the mentoring relationship between mentors and their protégés is the key to successful mentoring and achieving desired goals. If you cannot work well with your partner, you stop meeting and no goals are attained. I also discovered this and then created the Mentoring Style Indicator (MSI) in the early 1980s as a tool for training mentoring partners. Mentors learn to use two Mentoring Styles to equip protégés like the dictionary definition or classical concept describes – passing on knowledge, wisdom and practical know-how. Mentors also learn to use two other Mentoring Styles to empower what protégés want to learn, do and become. During Partner Training, proteges learn to be receptive to these different kinds of assistance – and to request appropriate assistance when needed. Employing such Mentoring Style Flexibility has helped over 100,000 mentoring partners to develop a good working relationship that achieves desired outcomes. If inflexibility occurs, mentoring relationships fall apart and goals are not achieved.

* Thank you once again Dr. Gray for sharing your insights. For the convenience of our readers, URL links can be found for the following related resources:

The Provision Mentorship BLOG post from May 24, 2016 at: CLICK HERE
The Youtube Video with related comments from Dr. Gray at: CLICK HERE

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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, 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

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