Story: What is Mentorship?
Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger than the person being mentored, but s/he must have a certain area of expertise. It is a learning and development partnership between someone with vast experience and someone who wants to learn. – Wikipedia
Some public figures of mentorship:
– Oprah Winfrey was mentored by celebrated author and poet, the late Maya Angelou.
– Former Apple Inc. CEO the late Steve Jobs served as a mentor to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
– Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg is largely considered one of the most powerful women in business today. Sandberg’s former college professor, Larry Summers played a pivotal role in her career as both mentor and sponsor.
– Fashion designer Christian Dior mentored fellow haute couture designer Yves St. Laurent. After he moved to Paris, St. Laurent was introduced to Dior by the editor of French Vogue.
– American business magnate Warren Buffett is often considered the most successful investor of the twentieth century. The Berkshire Hathaway CEO mentored Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Gates first met Buffett at a dinner organized by Gates’ mother, where the two spoke about business and philanthropy. Gates admits that over the years he has turned to Buffett for advice on various subjects, and has often referred to Buffett as “one of a kind.”
– A landscape photographer and environmentalist, Ansel Adams was best known for his black-and-white landscape photographs of the American West, especially Yosemite National Park. He was greatly influenced and mentored by his father, Charles Hitchcock Adams, who he credited with “tenderly keeping alive [his] inner spark.”
Lastly, Michiel Obama was the mentor of Barack Obama. Keir McLaren was the mentor of Chris Do.
The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring: Top 25 Mentoring Relationships in History
When Mentoring Began?
The word, mentor, comes from the ancient Greek language. The name is derived from a character found in Homer’s Odyssey named Mentor (in Greek ΜΕΝΤΩΡ).
Mentor was the trusted friend of Odysseus. During the Trojan war, Mentor stayed behind in Ithaca to watch over the upbringing of Telemachus; the son of Odysseus. Mentor advised Telemachus with the objective of preparing him to take responsibility for family responsibilities during his father´s absence.
In three cases. Telemachus received advice from the goddess of wisdom Athena unknowingly. Athena took the form of Mentor. These cases were when Tilemachus traveled to Pylos; during the killing of his mother’s suitors and lastly during the revolt of the supporters of Eupithis.
In his book “The Adventures of Telemachus”, 18th-century author Fenelos used the term “mentor” derived from the Odyssey to deal with the subject of education. According to Fenelon a mentor should be both a guide and educator and mentoring a relationship between teacher and student.
Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills students can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success in graduate school and beyond. Quality mentoring greatly enhances students’ chances for success.
Mentor and Coach
I was wondering what the mentor is? What’s the Difference Between a Coach and a Mentor?
Mentors are successful people who share their hard-won wisdom to provide insight and guidance as an entrepreneur encounters challenges along their journey. They typically function in a reactive capacity, responding to issues as they arise. Mentors may not have expertise in the mentee’s field, but they understand how to navigate the business in general.
Coaches, on the other hand, often have expertise in the same field as the people they’re helping. They’re usually trained and certified as coaches, possessing strong process management skills.
Forbes: What’s the Difference Between a Coach and a Mentor?
I read the article above. However, I still can not distinguish between mentorship and coach somehow. Sounds like the coach has more value than a mentor. I currently don’t have any mentor or coach. However, I respect a couple of people and they teach me a principle, business and life. I would like to introduce about them.
Kazuo Inamori
Kazuo Inamori is a Japanese philanthropist, entrepreneur and the founder of Kyocera and KDDI. He was the chairman of Japan Airlines. In 2011, he received the Othmer Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to progress in science and chemistry. – Wikipedia
Kazuo Inamori is the person who is the most influence on my life. His philosophy, life, execution, and result are totally persuaded me to follow this study. I’ve joined Seiwajyuku which is a study group of Kazuo Inamori’s philosophy. My life has already changed by the 12 management principles and the 6 endeavors. Seiwajyuku will be dissolute at the end of 2019. However, my study will continue in my life.
The Twelve Management Principles
1. Clearly State the Purpose and Mission of Your Business.
2. Set Specific Goals.
3. Keep a Passionate Desire in Your Heart.
4. Strive Harder than Anyone Else.
5. Maximize Revenues and Minimize Expenses.
6. Pricing Is Management.
7. Success Is Determined by Willpower.
8. Possess a Fighting Spirit.
9. Face Every Challenge with Courage.
10. Always Be Creative in Your Work.
11. Be Kind and Sincere.
12. Always Be Cheerful and Positive. Hold Great Dreams and Hopes in the Pureness of Your Heart.
The Six Endeavors
1. Diligence – Strive Harder than Anyone Else
2. Humility – Remain Humble
3. Reflection – Reflect Daily
4. Gratitude – Appreciate Life
5. Benevolence – Do Good Deeds and Serve Others
6. Detachment – Don’t Dwell on the Past
Chris Do
Chris Do is an Emmy award-winning designer, founder, and CEO of Blind, Inc., where he oversees the creative and strategic direction of the company.
Mr. Do currently serves on the board and is an advisor for organizations including: AIGA/LA, Emmys Motion & Title Design Peer Group, Otis Board of Governors, Saleshood, Santa Monica College and Woodbury University. – Blind.com
Chris Do, the founder of Blind in LA, is a digital mentor to me. He is a prestigious specialist in the design industry. I didn’t know the business of design, as a graphic designer and as a new immigrant in Canada. I found @TheFutur on YouTube in 2014. Jose Caballer, previous host at @TheFutur, and Chris talked about business of design, design process quite opnely, especially money. It’s been life-changing.
I registered my business to BC in May 2016. I was too busy. However, I couldn’t deposit a money to bank. Horribly, it was equal number, profit and life expense. I watched the video of Ben Burn‘s experience. I’ve never bet $50 logo, but I felt sympathy to him. In 2018, I applied the study, increase estimate. The end of 2018, I could make time for study, and I also could increase profit slightly. In 2019, I have a confidence to move forward my career.
Blind: Brand Strategy Design Consultancy.
The Futur: The Business of Design and The Design of Business
Qualities of a Good Mentor
I don’t expect to help from anybody. Put on my effort first. I learned it when I immigrated to Canada.
When I looked for a job at a local advertising agency, I visited several organizations. They are officially helping new immigrant. I followed their guidance. However, it didn’t make a fruit after all. I consumed my time for over 3 months.
It’s better if you find a mentor in right time. If you cannot, let’s repeat to try and error, then learning from failure. I learned how to present myself in job hunting. I don’t repeat the same mistake anymore. I don’t have a mentor right now. However, I would like to acquire mentor skills as a human. I found some qualification of mentor.
01 Willingness to share skills, knowledge, and expertise
02 Demonstrates a positive attitude and acts as a positive role model
03 Takes a personal Interest in the mentoring relationship
04 Exhibits enthusiasm in the field
05 Values ongoing learning and growth in the field
06 Provides guidance and constructive feedback
07 Respected by colleagues and employees in all levels of the organization
08 Sets and meets ongoing personal and professional goals
The Balance Careers: 8 Qualities of a Good Mentor
Benefits of Mentoring
Both menter and mentee have a benefit below. I don’t have a both expecience. However, if my knowlidge and experience help someone, I would like to share it to others. My life purpose is ‘Meeting people beyond the nationalities’. That’s why I’m in Vancouver, Canada.
Benefits of being a Mentee
– Gain practical advice, encouragement and support
– Learn from the experiences of others
– Increase your social and academic confidence
– Become more empowered to make decisions
– Develop your communication, study and personal skills
– Develop strategies for dealing with both personal and academic issues
– Identify goals and establish a sense of direction
– Gain valuable insight into the next stage of your university career
– Make new friends across year groups
Benefits of being a Mentor
– Improve communication and personal skills
– Develop leadership and management qualities
– Reinforce your own study skills and knowledge of your subject(s)
– Increase your confidence and motivation
– Engage in a volunteering opportunity, valued by employers
– Enhance your CV
– Increase your circle of friends
– Gain recognition for your skills and experience
– Benefit from a sense of fulfillment and personal growth
Aston University: Benefits of Mentoring
TED Conferences: The 5 types of mentors you need in your life
Conclusion: Look for Life Purpose
If you are looking for a mentor, I recommend you a digital(imaginary) mentor. There are a huge amount of people who are respectable in human history. For example, Nelson Mandela, Martin Loser King, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, or George Washington. I cannot pick up all of them. A lot of biographies are available.
Many historical figures had also have a same anxiety, problems in the life as same as you. Many people, however, pushed themselves, overcame in the past. Read biographies. Watch documentaries. You can find a solution from noble philosophy.
Keep looking, don’t settle. – Steve Jobs
Reference:
Ranker: The Most Influential People of All Time
Martin Luther King: I Have A Dream
Stanford University: Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
