Empowerment Commentary By
Jarrett L. Perdue Sr.
The word MENTOR is defined as a trusted counselor or teacher. It is found in Greek Mythology as an actual person named Mentor who was a trusted counselor, guardian and teacher.
Notice that one of the words used to define mentor is “TRUSTED”. A mentor advises, guides, instructs, teaches and trains. A mentee or protege is trusting the mentor to give the best instructions for success in any given area of life.
Mentorship is for the personal development of the individual. It is to improve their self-awareness, self-knowledge, talents and potential. Mentoring goes further than instruction and coaching. For example, when you instruct, you disclose knowledge. When you coach, you build skills and proficiency. When you mentor, you work to actualize the character and demeanor of the individual. Mentoring promotes natural and spiritual development.
Mentors make a caring commitment to take the journey with the person that is learning. Mentors also set the example in the learning process. Mentors use different techniques to accomplish the goals set forth. Mentors serve as examples by continuing to demonstrate integrity and character in their own lives. Continue to keep in your thought process that a mentor is a TRUSTED FRIEND.
Anyone that wants to mentor others must remember that mentoring is not about authoritarianism or unlimited rule. It is about wanting the person to have total success for everyday living. It is certainly about the mentor having honesty and integrity. The protege has to be able to have confidence in the mentor. The mentor brings out the talents and abilities the protege has within them.
On this subject of mentoring, when you look at “LINKS” under this posting, you will find a title called “REAL MEN READ.” This was an great opportunity for me in 2007 and 2008 to be a part of a mentorship program with the Chicago Board Of Education and Chicago Public Schools to enrich children's education experience by reading to them in their classrooms and setting an example of oratorical acumen. Under the “REAL MEN READ,” link, I also posted some of the feedback I received from the students.
