Chances are, if we met those closest to Dr. Seuss, we would discover that he not only had a global impact during his career, he likely had a very personal impact through mentorship. A mentor is an experienced and trustworthy advisor who gives their knowledge to someone in a student-teacher fashion. They give their time, their attention, and their expertise to help someone else become better at the same skill.
“To the world, you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world”
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss undoubtedly touched millions and millions with his books and art. He made an impact on a large scale for sure. What if he hadn’t broken out and set a worldwide literary standard? What if he had only made an impact on one child who wanted to learn to read, write, or draw? Would that have been enough? Absolutely!
There are many wonderful benefits to mentoring, aside from passing down information and skills. Things like:
- Being a mentor is rewarding and affirms the breadth of knowledge that you have accumulated over time.
- Mentoring is a form of giving back and sharing the blessings and fruit that have come from your own personal journey.
- A mentor is truly an expert in their career, talent, or whatever it is they are teaching. They are a blessing and a resource.
Mentoring is an excellent way to make a difference without expending a large amount of time or resources. Usually, mentors spend time side-by-side with their mentees and the experience creates a deep and meaningful bond. The building of trust and sharing of talents lasts a lifetime. A mentor usually becomes a life-long resource and is heavily invested in the mentee’s success.
Whether you are teaching a baking skill, a technical skill-set, or giving the inside scoop on how to do something better, your mentorship can make all the difference. It can help launch a career, open doors, and collapse a learning curve. You can make a lasting impact simply by sharing what comes naturally to you from your personal wellspring.
Mentorships can be formal or informal. They can be career-based, gender-based, or tied to any other natural partnership. They can be one-on-one or in small groups. They can be in-person or carried out remotely. The key is connecting a willing mentor and mentee who are compatible and equally interested in teaching and learning from one another.
Who can you mentor and how will that help the other person? Seek to share your talents and skills with just one person and watch them flourish, and you’ll grow inside from making such a profound impact on someone else.
