Opinion
We’re living in a time where change comes at breakneck speeds. Rapid changes require us to learn new skills and ways to work, meet the desires of four generations working together and likely radically remodel infrastructures.
One might say our future successes will be dependent on how well we engage, share, collaborate and learn from one another. We’ll need relationships the are mutually beneficial, that unite disciplines and that operate with less hierarchy and competitive conflicts. Mentorships are great conduits for this kind of growth, particularly if both parties are benefiting from the relationship, writes David Nour.
A transformational mentorship is a relationship that offers something powerful to both the mentee and the mentor. This means mentoring is no longer a one-way street. Just as you can teach and influence your mentor as the mentee, you can mentor others.” – David Nour
Source: HBR Ascend, January 5, 2022. Link. We tend to divide people into two groups: mentors and mentees. But that makes sense only in a reasonably stable world, where past lessons and structures inform the future. Today, novel solutions are at least as valuable as old ones, and everyone can contribute something to solving our greatest and newest problems.
INSIGHTS: A 2020 study of career satisfaction sponsored by Merck sheds light on career challenges, changes and progress for veterinarians <Link>. The findings show things start to improve after five years. The timelines likely parallel career stages for veterinary technicians, office managers, production livestock teams, retail associates, sales representatives and more.
Think about it. Promote and model mutual curiosity. Before passing judgement as a mentor or mentee, first ask yourself, “WHY?” Enjoy the collaboration that follows.”