DIALOGUE
the basics of their job. I would help them with their professional
skills and introduce them to the right people and resources needed
so that they could advance their career. The advice I would give to
a club industry professional in the middle of their career would
relate more to people and relationship skills. Professional networking
is very important at this stage or you start to lose interest in
what you are doing on a daily basis. You need to keep them committed
and engaged.
How should a club industry professional approach a
prospective mentor?
JY: If you do not have a natural choice for a mentor then start
your research to find one. Understand that this relationship is a
long-term investment, so remember that you need to approach a
mentor who will be suitable for you. Communicate with the prospective
mentor and let them know that you aspire to be where
they are in their career. Express that you would like to learn from
their career path and for them to teach you how to develop yours.
JF: Pick up the phone. Any mentor worth having will take your
call. After some discussion, or a couple of exchanges of thought,
they may not be in a position to be your mentor, but they will help
you with connections or ideas about who would be a good fit.
IP: First, a mentee should seek out a potential mentor and
schedule a meeting to discuss their goals. The mentee should then
describe the advice or guidance that they are seeking from the
mentor. The mentee should then confirm that they are committed
to their time and effort needed by them. Lastly, they should thank
the mentor for taking the time to meet and talk to them and to
potentially consider them.
“Seek an influencer who has
been down the path that
you are on or wish to take.”
– Jon Fisher, CCM, CCE
What do you enjoy the most about being a mentor?
JY: What I enjoy most is the long-term relationship that is developed.
Knowing that this person will be a future leader in the club
industry is rewarding. I enjoy supporting a person’s goals and it is
amazing to watch them achieve those goals. I have been so lucky
that I had wonderful influencers in my career and that I get to
share my experiences with my mentee.
JF: Seeing the brilliance in every human has always been
my art, whether on the street, in a public elevator or amongst my
members. As a mentor, you come to know the deepest wishes and
needs of your new peer. You get to share what has brought you
true professional joy. You get to be generous in contributing to the
brilliance and life experience of your mentee. A legacy connection,
so to speak.
IP: I enjoy being able to share my knowledge and experiences.
I feel that I have accomplished something that matters to me. It
is a fulfilling experience seeing the final result of my mentee grow
into a leader.
artinspiring/123rf
CMQ § Spring 2020 § 13