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Mentors take Mentoring VERY SERIOUSLY


 Whenever we hear the word mentor, a lot of different thoughts may come into your mind in terms of the nature of the relationship. In a larger sense, you probably are thinking of an established relationship between individuals that lasts over a prolonged period of time. And some other instances, it may be a unilateral situation where you’ve used someone as a mentor based on the things that they do for you.


I’m pretty sure some of you have seen various posts where I’ve talked about one of my big brothers who was the former national president of my national fraternity, brother President Darryl Matthews, and the things that he has done in the course of my career. I am not sure if he views me as being a mentee because I’m fairly confident he gets requests for information from a variety of different brothers. However, regardless of whether it’s Brothers like Brother Matthews or my other Big Brother, Brother Hardaway (who made it possible for me to open my own law firm) or my Karate Instructor, Renshi Anne Radke (who taught me what it meant to be a business owner), I truly appreciate all of the guidance they have given me to get to where I am today.



Interestingly, at this point in my life, I am finding myself in the position of serving as a mentor for people.  Even though I am young at heart, I have to remind myself that I’ve literally been in the workforce for almost 31 years and during the course of that time. I have changed careers and I’m in a position where I can provide insight or guidance to those who are trying to learn from the things I did right and the things that I did wrong.


One of the biggest things I’m starting to realize is that I am becoming very selective about who I provide input to and I am actually surprised at myself in terms of it. It’s not that I believe that I am all knowing and that my words should be held in the highest esteem. What I’m starting to realize is that when I provide insight, I’m doing more than just that. My words, at least in my mind, are my intellectual investment in the future of someone.  Whether the person was sent to me or I have watched their growth, in my mind, I have a responsibility to provide the intellectual nourishment they need to reach their destination.  It is my responsibility to ensure they avoid any roadblocks or obstacles so they can reach their destination sooner.   And because I take that responsibility seriously, I am serious about WHO I provide guidance.


If you have a mentor or someone who is giving you guidance, bear in mind that they have analyzed and scrutinized you.  They have determined that you are worthy of being guided because you are meant for greatness.   Never take their input for granted.   Mentoring you is a serious matter and their investment in you should be taken seriously.


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