New Year’s Resolutions are all the rage, but what about committing to something that has the power to transform your life and the life of a young person in your neighborhood (or the new millennial in your office setting)?
This January marks the 20th annual National Mentoring Month which Harvard’s School of Public Health states is “a campaign aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults” (Harvard). This campaign encourages you, as a leader, to form a meaningful relationship with a young person giving them the “tools to make responsible decisions, stay focused and engaged in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior like skipping school, drug use and other negative activities” (Harvard).
Almost all of us have had a teacher or coach who has positively impacted our life. Sometimes, these individuals actively sought out the role of mentor, but other times, they simply made a difference because they showed up and cared. Some of the shared basic qualities of mentors include “A sincere desire to be involved with a young person; respect for young people; active listening skills; empathy; the ability to see solutions and opportunities; and flexibility” (Mentoring.org). Do you possess these qualities and others? What skills do you possess that could benefit a youth in your community?
I recommend heading over to mentoring.org if your interest in becoming a mentor in 2022 has been sparked. This site is “committed to equipping young people with mentoring relationships and growth opportunities everywhere they live, learn, work, and play”. On the website, you’ll be able to search for programs in your community and connect with young people who are looking for a mentor. Remember that you don’t have to be perfect to be a mentor and you don’t have to have everything together, all you must do is have the desire to be involved with a young person. I promise if you get started as a mentor, it will be life changing for both of you.
Stratengy is here to help you navigate being a great leader in today’s world. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you and your team be engaged, productive and working together.
