The Black Entrepreneur's Journal - Vol 2

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

By: Denise Ledi

Having a mentor is an invaluable asset. Having someone who’s ‘been there and done that’ invested in your personal and professional growth and development can mean the difference between success and failure. There are several benefits to working with a mentor, such as:

• increasing your knowledge in your given field,

• improving your problem-solving abilities,

• building your confidence, developing your leadership skills,

• maximizing your business bottom line, work performance, and or promotional opportunities, and

• building your network.

Mentorship can be a wonderful, mutually satisfying experience however, it can also be daunting when you cannot find the representation you’re looking for. Let’s face it; how often have you heard “I want or prefer a mentor who is Black; someone like me, who fundamentally understands the uncomfortable truths of what it’s like being on the receiving end of conscious and unconscious systemic biases, racism, and or micro aggressions.” A person who has felt the isolation and pressure of being “the only one” doing what you’re doing without having to explain this.

The desire to have a mentor with a shared cultural or racial profile isn’t superficial; it’s about having an established, unspoken kinship and connectedness with someone who’s likely walked in your shoes and successfully navigated and overcame familiar barriers and challenges. When you don’t see other people like you, successfully doing what you’re doing, it can be harder to relate and create your own path.

I’ve been both a mentee and mentor. My first mentoring experience was with a young Black man with a shared cultural background and an aspiring police officer. A mutual acquaintance facilitated our introduction. We had an inquisitive and frank discussion about my field of study (Criminology), how I translated that background into a thriving career, and what he wanted to do. He asked to keep in touch as he embarked on his studies.

I was shocked, humbled, honored, and a little scared. Was I really qualified for mentorship? What did I know? Nonetheless I accepted. I’m proud to say he graduated near the top of both his academic and cadet class and has risen within the ranks. We have a 25 + year relationship that’s among my most gratifying relationships, both personally and professionally. Since then, I’ve mentored countless others.

Early in my career I was fortunate to have two women mentors. One in leadership, the other an experienced coworker, neither is Black. These relationships commenced organically. I shared my challenges and triumphs, asked questions, and received their insights and perspectives, which continues today. I share this to specifically note that even in the absence of shared cultural backgrounds, the value in mentorship remains.

Recently, I launched a coaching and consulting business. I connected with coaches and business owners through networking and training events where I met a very successful Black female business owner. She and I developed a working relationship. I watched, listened and learned, and I am currently working with her towards fulfilling my bigger dreams and goals.

These are 7 key tips and lessons in my experiences I trust will help you find and establish a mutually fulfilling mentorship relationship:What do you want to achieve?

1. What is your overarching grand goal and vision? Be clear about your objectives. What are the things you need to better understand and develop? What are your short and long term goals?

2. Identify what you want from a mentor. What role do you want your mentor to play? Be specific about what you would like to accomplish and want in the relationship.

3. Look around you. Don’t overlook and or judge

the people in your network and those they know. Colleagues, former alumni, family friends. The best person for you could be close, practical and relevant. You never know where valuable connections can be made.

4. Build relationships. Expand your network. Cultivate the relationships you have and create opportunities to build more. Ask for introductions. Volunteer, in a leadership capacity if able. Join and participate in activities of like minded people and those you may not readily have access to.

5. Let go of fear, reach out & start talking. Initiate casual yet intentional conversations and let them develop organically. Be ready to talk about yourself and your aspirations.

6. Be curious! Ask questions. Most people are eager to share about themselves and willing to help you out.

7. Be respectful and grateful.