Within the past decade I was the beneficiary of a great kindness offered by a truly authentic person--Donna Blakemore. I was looking to transition into university fundraising as a career change. Donna saw my potential and took a chance on me (and I on her). For that, I am eternally grateful.
There's the heart of it--risk. Mentors take risks on mentees and vice-versa. It's a symbiotic relationship entered into freely without any guarantee of success. Each person becomes invested in the other. Time, energy, effort. The mentor is rewarded with the satisfaction of watching a protege advance. The mentee advances--albeit, haltingly at times.
If you've ever been on the receiving end of the magnanimous investment of a mentor, I recommend you consider mentoring someone else. It's the golden rule in action.
Very true words, well written, well said. I have been fortunate to have a wonderful mentor and I am now working at an amazing company with truly great people and solutions due to my mentor, whom I speak with every month and I am thankful for and only hope I too may be a mentor to others.
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