Lee Beaumont (BCHS Class of 1987) - "Mentorships"

Nobody makes it in this world alone. Whether we realize it or not, we learn society’s rules, skills, knowledge, and behaviors from those around us. As we move into our professional lives, we consciously or unconsciously seek out individuals to guide us, to learn from, and ultimately, someone to mentor us. Picking a mentor is an important decision that can significantly impact your personal and professional development. 

Mentors provide us with guidance and direction. We get the opportunity to view the world through their lens and experiences. They help us navigate challenges in our personal and professional lives and avoid pitfalls. A mentor can provide networking opportunities that would otherwise not be available to us. They provide us with encouragement and motivation when the daily grind of life takes hold, and our enthusiasm wanes. Most importantly, they provide accountability. Much like teachers, they keep us on track, rebuke us when necessary, and ensure we stay on the right path.

Another critical aspect of the mentor-mentee relationship is establishing work and personal life priorities. I am sure we have all heard the saying that during the final stage of life, nobody says they wish they spent more time at the office! They also provide insights that we, as new professionals, need to hear and understand, ultimately contributing to the continuity of expertise.

Selecting the right mentor is critical for long-term success. You must find one with similar values, goals, and ethics. Preferably, choose one with high moral character in and out of the office. After you find someone aligned with your value system, look for an individual with expertise in your field of interest. You also need to have a level of chemistry and compatibility. The rapport with your mentor is another “must-have” if the relationship is to work to both of your benefits. 

You and your mentor must be able to have challenging conversations. Mentees only grow when they are provided quality guidance. Typically, these conversations are uncomfortable, but you and your mentor need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You must also decide if you want a short-term or long-term mentor. You may only need assistance with a course or a specific problem. If so, your selection criteria will be far different than if you sought someone to help you for many years or through a career arc.

Finally, seek someone who can offer you a diverse perspective. As General George Patton said, if everything is thinking alike, someone is not thinking. The last thing you want in our interconnected and multicultural world is to find yourself in an echo chamber. Branch out and seek out those with different experiences and knowledge bases – you will be glad you did! 

In summary, having a mentor can be a transformative experience. They can provide you with the tools, insights, and support needed to excel in your chosen path, and their impact often extends far beyond the immediate goals you may be working towards.

S. Lee Beaumont (BCHS Class of 87’). Ed.D, MS, PCM, CPRW