John RiceSustainment Engineer| Lockheed MartinHarmony, Fl, United States
Personal growth is very more important for professional success. In the US Army, one of the character traits of a good NCO is to know oneself and seek self improvement. Sadly, many people do not recognize their full potential until a coach/ mentor identifies and enhances their abilities. Example are the great athletes; MJ, Tiger, Montana they were greats, but not without a coach improving their strengths and minimizing their weaknesses. The coach/mentor will never be better in performance, their real joy is success of their prodigies.
As Project Managers, there is real value in being a coach/mentor, the rewards do not have a dollar sign to it, but fulfills the need to be part of something bigger than yourself. I guarantee Pat Summitt as great as she is still has a mentor in terms of a confidant. You can not coach what you are not exposed to yourself.
Naomi,
Are you developing your replacement?
Someone asked me this question when I first got into a position. At first, I was confused; I thought why did you hire me only to replace me. But that isn't the case; I read a study where 85% of positions filled come from within the organization for many reasons. By me developing my replacement supports the growth of the organization.
Unless you have no inspiration of advancing or retiring, there is a need to find your successor. Remember, no one person is indispensable, if this is not the case, why do founders, presidents, and CEO pack their desks?
John:
Great to see you here; thanks for this discussion.
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch
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1 reply by John Rice
Mar 16, 2017 2:35 AM
John Rice
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Naomi,
The honor is mine
Saving Changes...
John RiceSustainment Engineer| Lockheed MartinHarmony, Fl, United States
Mar 16, 2017 1:20 AM
Replying to Naomi Caietti
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John:
Great to see you here; thanks for this discussion.
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch
Naomi,
The honor is mine Saving Changes...
Aejaz ShaikhPM I| Alyx Technologies India Pvt LtdPune, Maharshatra, India
Using a sporting parlance here - "Coaches were never great player, but they know how to make players great".
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1 reply by John Rice
Mar 16, 2017 5:36 AM
John Rice
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They don't make great players, such know how and where to smooth the rough edges; much like an artist sees the finished work before making the first stroke
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John RiceSustainment Engineer| Lockheed MartinHarmony, Fl, United States
Mar 16, 2017 2:41 AM
Replying to Aejaz Shaikh
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Using a sporting parlance here - "Coaches were never great player, but they know how to make players great".
They don't make great players, such know how and where to smooth the rough edges; much like an artist sees the finished work before making the first stroke Saving Changes...
Jess De OcampoLean Six Sigma Professional/Project Manager/Consultant/| .Manila, Ncr, Philippines
I don't have a personal mentor now. The project management community is my mentor.
The altruistic attitude of the community members in sharing their knowledge, resources, advices, etc. with each other is simply amazing!
There will be always a room for self-improvement and growth. Learning is a lifelong experience.
Cheers to all!
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1 reply by John Rice
Mar 18, 2017 10:31 PM
John Rice
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Jessica,
Sometimes we need to ask someone to be a mentor. Learning through media is good, but adults especially learn through andragogy as "learner-centered/directed". We learn through experiences. What works and what doesn't. That is where a mentor comes in, they are able to share their experiences.
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Julia CunninghamManager Project Management| BattelleRichland, Wa, United States
I am pleased that you did not use the term "mentee". Although Merriam-Webster claims it has been in use since the 60s, the sound of it grates, like fingernails on a chalkboard.
I think most of us in the profession play both roles (mentor and being mentored) on occasion, and I appreciate that about the people I have met. Thanks for the opportunity to think about some of the great mentors I have had in my career.
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2 replies by John Rice and Stéphane Parent
Mar 16, 2017 2:05 PM
Stéphane Parent
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I agree, Julia. Whenever I hear "mentee", I get visions of sea mammals. I much prefer the term protégé.
Mar 18, 2017 10:26 PM
John Rice
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Julia
There are times when we need to reflect on the journey we have traveled thus far. We learn to appreciate what we have accomplished and learned, therefore we can share our experiences. Not only do I think about the people who influenced my career, but also how they did and what they taught me. The negative experiences taught what I would or would not do given the same scenario.
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Mar 16, 2017 1:51 PM
Replying to Julia Cunningham
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I am pleased that you did not use the term "mentee". Although Merriam-Webster claims it has been in use since the 60s, the sound of it grates, like fingernails on a chalkboard.
I think most of us in the profession play both roles (mentor and being mentored) on occasion, and I appreciate that about the people I have met. Thanks for the opportunity to think about some of the great mentors I have had in my career.
I agree, Julia. Whenever I hear "mentee", I get visions of sea mammals. I much prefer the term protégé.
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1 reply by Julia Cunningham
Mar 20, 2017 12:39 PM
Julia Cunningham
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Interesting. I grew up in Florida around some of the "hot" springs where the manatees spend the winter and never really correlated mentee with manatee. Gentle,slow and inquisitive creatures though.
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Lisa KomidarService Delivery Manager - Sr. Engagement Manager| Optimum Healthcare ITKane, Pa, United States
I'm always mentoring and being mentored! Always train someone else to do your job or you will never be able to do your next job.
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1 reply by John Rice
Mar 18, 2017 10:21 PM
John Rice
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Lisa,
That is awesome. Who has been your greatest influence?
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Ed Tsyitee JrConsultant | Consultant Tucson, Az, United States
Mar 15, 2017 3:53 PM
Replying to Ed Tsyitee Jr
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I have this community and I just joined the local PMI chapter. I wouldn't mind having a mentor in project management though.
I agree. That's why I decided to log in every day for at least 30 minutes to an hour and read, post answers, and take webinars.
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1 reply by John Rice
Mar 18, 2017 10:20 PM
John Rice
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Ed,
I am developing that habit now.... I am discovery that it is a good way to stay connected
Saving Changes...
John RiceSustainment Engineer| Lockheed MartinHarmony, Fl, United States
Mar 16, 2017 2:58 PM
Replying to Ed Tsyitee Jr
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I agree. That's why I decided to log in every day for at least 30 minutes to an hour and read, post answers, and take webinars.
Ed,
I am developing that habit now.... I am discovery that it is a good way to stay connected Saving Changes...
