Show me your mentor and I will predict your future
When we start out in the industry its unlikely we fully appreciate the impact of those who we model. The late Stephen Covey, the author of the best-selling book ‘Seven Habit’s of Highly Successful People, spoke of making sure that was the building you want to climb before leaning your ladder up against it.
I have sat and heard the sadness of too many who some ten plus years later have confided or inferred their regrets of how they have spent their time, money and emotions during key phases of their career.
When a coach is new and young and starry eyed it’s understandable they may be attracted to the newest, latest or loudest or shiniest object. It understandable that their perceptions are shaped by the dominant industry trends when they arrive at the scene.
However no matter how understandable this is, life is too short to spend pursing empty paths. For the last few decades I have suggested that young coaches check out the life behind the marketed images of individuals before seeking to model them.
Everyone has different interests and goals, and my hope is that some decades into your time in this industry you can look back with pride and satisfaction about how you choose to invest your time, money and energy.
And remember – the mentor you choose may be an excellent predictor of your future. So choose with wisdom.