Yesterday was International Youth Day.
Recognizing this day as an, a-hem, “seasoned” PR pro caused me to muse about what has historically been one of my favorite tasks throughout my career…mentoring and helping younger people on their journey.
Ask Questions
Whenever I was placed in a position to dispense advice to someone younger, I always tried to learn their motive – their “why” – by asking questions.
Why did they want to know? Why did they seek growth? What were their goals – short and long-term? Did they simply want to improve their writing skillset? Or did they view writing as a way to climb the ladder to a corner office? In drafting a meeting agenda, what’s the goal – to develop deeper work relationships or was that topic list merely a means to complete the task at hand? By learning their “why” I would often uncover more than the question at the surface.
Listen
Often, as I listened the younger person’s responses, it would be an exercise for them in self-discovery. They may not have always known the answers but working through their “why” was a very beneficial exercise. And my listening – with focus – was at once informative for me and validating for them. By listening, I was able to develop more a more insightful line of questioning often useful in that same conversation but also applicable to subsequent interactions – with that same person or with others.
Focus on Growth
What I learned from mentoring over the years is that most people want to grow but need some help staying focused.
To maintain focus, I would encourage people to think about how their actions could produce results. Looking analytically at growth over the long haul, I was able to help younger professionals determine what tasks were busy work that should be minimized, and what tasks would actually make a positive impact on a set goal. Now, that being said, we all have plenty of the obligatory busy work, but it’s an art form to reduce it much as possible. Or at least make those annoying mundane tasks relevant to a larger goal.
Be a Role Model
As any parent is well aware, children watch more than they listen. The same is true in a mentoring relationship. Younger professionals will observe how you interact, what you write, how you develop relationships. By modeling positive behaviors with your own actions, you reinforce these “good habits” to younger, watchful eyes. As they say, actions speak louder than words.
Recognize Success
Finally, recognize success. Not just the big, bold wins, but every day, small victories. Recognize positive progress with words like: “that was a really well-written email” or “the way you phrased that response was really thoughtful.”
Build people up by recognizing success and everyone benefits. After all, all boats rise with the tide.