Getting a Do-Over - I Would Focus on the People—Not the Paper (Part Deux)

Getting a Do-Over - I Would Focus on the People—Not the Paper (Part Deux)

Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day. —Sally Koch

AS I BEGAN to consider DeAnn’s challenge, I knew that I would have to give up some of my “maximizer” tendencies. Doing a job is one thing, but I am driven to maximize my opportunities. Of course, this is a great attribute when you’re building a new business model, selling your services, or developing a product. But this same talent becomes a hindrance when you need to shift your attention and priorities to people rather than concepts.

I told DeAnn my struggle, and she gave me some great advice. She said, “Focus your attention and time on people you admire. Identify those who are trustworthy and wise—people you aspire to emulate. By spending time with these individuals, you will forge both professional and personal bonds that could be important to you for the rest of your life.”

Then she added this kicker: “Ellen, people admire you and want to learn from you. Because they know they can trust you to be honest and forthright with them regarding their careers, they want to engage with you.”

Uh-oh. Now, this is getting tricky. I certainly know men and women in my industry whom I respect, and I always enjoy our exchanges. I learn so much about our marketplace, as well as the challenges and solutions others are implementing. But someone wants to gain insight from me?

Girlfriends, you may be like me and not see clearly the important role you could play in others’ lives if you’d just be willing to have an occasional lunch or break with them. We all need mentors—in life and at work.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. (1 Peter 3:15)

As you look for a mentor for yourself, consider the fact that you could be one to someone else.