What is so good about having a mentor?🌟
If you've ever caught me in full flow at an in person event, or seen my posts online, you'll know I can't stop talking about mentorship. And there's a good reason for it. Being a mentor has been as much a learning journey for me as it has been for those I've had the privilege to work with.
With over two decades spent navigating the world of supply chain management and team leadership (and yes, there were moments when it felt like being in the trenches, especially during those end-of-year lead up to Christmas stressful times in retail - “Q4” to those in the know!),
I've come to a realisation.
Mentorship isn't just a one-way street where all the wisdom flows from mentor to mentee. It's a two-way exchange, a relationship where both parties grow, learn, and evolve. And frankly, it's been nothing short of amazing for me as a mentor.
Let me share a story that perfectly encapsulates this. Back when I was in the corporate world at L'Oréal, an intern joined our team. As part of my role, I naturally fell into the position of being her mentor. It turns out I had a whole lot to learn from her!
This intern, fresh out of university and brimming with ideas, gave me a crash course in social media and digital marketing. Before meeting her, I don’t think I even knew digital marketing was a thing! She opened my eyes to the power of digital platforms, not just as a fun thing for your social life but as tools for business growth and brand building. She was using social media to educate the rest of the business based down in London ( we were in the warehousing parts in Manchester) , about our world of operations - genius.
This insight was so valuable, especially now that I've ventured into the world of solo business ownership!
It's a prime example of how mentorship can surprise you, offering lessons in areas you didn't even know you needed to learn about.
Mentorship, in its essence, is shared knowledge, experiences, and growth opportunities. It's about more than just imparting wisdom; it's about learning from each other, challenging our preconceptions, and stepping outside our comfort zones. It's about the mutual exchange of ideas, perspectives, and insights that can only happen when people come together in a spirit of genuine curiosity and openness.
Has mentorship touched your life in unexpected ways? Whether you've been on the giving or receiving end of this sort of relationship, I'd love to hear your stories. How has being a mentor or a mentee opened your eyes to new ideas, helped you grow in unexpected directions, or even changed the course of your career? Drop me a note - Litsa@unscrambleme.co.uk
