Confessions of a mentor
I don’t think I’d want me for a mentor. What could someone in need of mentorship possibly learn from someone like me? How to have a perfectly balanced and nutritious meal ready for the family every evening at 6 pm? Last night we had Cheerios for supper. How to plan fun and engaging family activities? My kids watched 2,045 hours of TV last week alone. What about how to be the perfect wife? Ok, that part is true. Just don’t ask my husband.
So I’m always a little surprised when someone approaches me to be their mentor. I’m tempted to tell them to set their sights higher, but then again, I believe in mentorship. I remember the role that mentors have played in my life over the years, and I get excited at the thought that I could maybe play that role for someone else. So usually, I agree.
I had my first “meeting” with a new mentee just a couple of weeks ago. I cooked Carribean style macaroni and cheese and BBQ chicken for the occasion. The mac & cheese was delicious! But the chicken was basically still squawking when I tried to serve it. I cut into it and blood shot out. So I did what any amateur chef would do and tried to nuke the life out of it. I thought about pretending that I meant to serve the meal in different courses. But honesty is the best way to embark on a mentoring relationship. So I said, “Now you know I’m not the best cook in the world, and there are a host of other things you won’t be able to learn from me.” But I went on to explain that I’m happy to be a sounding board, to offer advice or counsel, and to be someone to hang out with whenever she has some free time. She agreed and seems happy with our arrangement. But perhaps next time, we’ll meet at Spur.
By: Stacey Dlamini