Mentoring and the Importance of Paying It Forward
Posted on Wed, Apr 01, 2009 @ 12:09 PM
A recent post by Nina Simosko focused on the importance of helping others and, more importantly, paying it forward. She states:
In business, there are SO many ways in which this concept can take hold. But to me, the greatest impact of this wonderful approach to helping can be done at the grassroots, or individual, level. I myself have experienced both sides of paying it forward. I have had the great fortune of being helped by many people along my career path. And to be clear, these folks did not do so with the expectation that they would receive anything in return; but rather for the sake of helping me out at a time when I was in need of assistance. I have had a few great mentors who took me under their wings and guided me through then-uncharted paths within my career. I am humbled by the unselfish nature in which this help was given and greatly benefited from it. It is, in large part, the reason I am where I am in my career.
I took a moment to reflect on those who have helped me along in my career; these individuals helped me think through complicated decisions, make life-changing moves, and look at problems from a different angle. Most importantly, they encouraged me to stretch myself and get out of my comfort zone.
Nina sums it up:
Be sure to take every opportunity to help others and to ask them to do the same for people within their network. If we can create an atmosphere in which this type of behavior is commonplace, recognized and encouraged, the limits we have are boundless. And in these difficult times, helping others will be appreciated tremendously by all involved.
Interested in paying it forward? Future Women Leaders offers several mentorship programs: MBA Mentorship, Career Mentorship, and College Mentorship. Are you involved in other mentor programs? Let us know in the comments.