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

Related Links:

CFCW Radio

http://www.cfcw.com/inside.asp?mn=15&cc=2&id=1591

Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada

http://www.childrenswish.ca/home/

Have you got a Mentorship Success story related to what we've addressed in this post? Or, maybe you'd like to share a few valuable comments, tips or suggestions that will help other improve their Mentoring relationships. Feel free to share your thoughts with a comment. Share this post with others in your circle of contacts and follow us on our other social media platforms. 

* All of the links can be found on our Website: http://www.pvs4u.ca/

Please let us know if we can be of assistance 

to you on your business or mentoring journey!

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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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

 

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

 

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

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.

Thank You Mentors - One and All

As we come to the close of another year, we know that we'll be taking some time to reflect on where we are, where we've been, and where we still want to 'travel' on our journey. 

The end of one year and the start of another is a very appropriate time for this type of reflection. Many in our circle of contacts can attest to the reality that 2016 has been a year filled with some significant challenges. Yet, as we've been working with our clients in either a coaching or mentoring capacity, we've also seen triumph in areas that had previously been a concern. We see these as being 'win - win' victories that definitely provide a great sense of satisfaction!

At this time of the year we’d encourage you to take some time for your own reflection over this past year. Pause to remember the specific people who've helped you in positive ways and allowed you to get to where you are today. Then, take it a step further and find a meaningful way to show your appreciation to those who've added meaning and value into your life. 

You may think of someone who's acted as a Mentor, perhaps in a formal capacity, or in ways that would be far more informal. Was there someone who's helped you to make progress in your career, develop a new skill, or provided you with a piece of sage advice in other matters?  

And finally, as you give this consideration, take a moment to look forward into the year ahead. Is there someone who comes to mind that you feel might benefit from something you could share with them? Why not reach out and contact them today! Try to arrange a time to get together and further explore this and see if it's something they would find helpful. The year ahead could become an even more fascinating 'journey of discovery' for both of you!

In closing this post, as we are at this reflective time of the year, we'd like to share a short video message that we prepared a few years ago. It was a time that we found to be rather challenging for us in a number of respects, but we've viewed it as being 'a part of the process' - one that reminded us of what was most important in our lives. We trust that it would be helpful.

Merry Christmas 'to you and yours' and we wish you all of the best in the years ahead. 

Please CLICK HERE to view our short video clip:

"I Love Christmas"

Want to share a few of your thoughts regarding those who've helped you this past year?  Please feel free to add your comments to this post.  We'd love to hear from you - particularly as they relate to a Mentoring experience.

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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