Anyone who has had a mentor will understand when I say what a special relationship this is. Successful leaders in particular report that having a mentor was one of the factors that helped to pave the way for challenging opportunities, and support learning and career advancement. According to O'Leary & Johnson (1991) a mentor is an experienced manager who relates well to a less experienced employee and facilitates her development for her benefit as well as the organization's. What makes this relationship unique is the high level of trust that forms the basis of the relationship, as well as the length of time - mentoring relationships are usually more long term and involve an emotional commitment by both parties.

Benefits of Having Mentor

It goes without saying that the benefits to the protégé are huge. In addition to the opportunity to learn through experience with the advice of someone who has been there, mentors can also provide protection and help with navigating tough political issues, help to increase exposure to those in positions of power as well as build one's visibility and credibility inside the organization. Finally, access to new contact to expand one's network, and the ease of having someone else facilitate an introduction can be a significant advantage. Everyone involved in the relationship benefits. The mentor has renewed energy in sharing expertise and advice while organizations reap benefits in retaining employees, solidifying the culture, developing budding leaders and increasing communication and understanding across departments.

What Does a Mentor Look Like?

In their article "Why Mentoring Matters in a Hypercompetitive World" (Harvard Business Review, January 208) Delong, Gabarro and Lee identify some of the elements of a good mentor. It's not a surprise that all of their elements are reflective of the mentor having high emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills such as:

• Having integrity
• Providing feedback in such a way that you can accept it
• Inspiring you to want to improve and develop
• Feeding your confidence so that you are willing to take risks, even when you have doubts about your competence
• Pulling you towards your stretch goals
• Challenging your thinking to see new opportunities you may not have been aware of before

The executive women I interviewed in 2006 often referred to having a boss or a senior leader who "believed" in them. This is also one of the capacities of a mentor - quite likely the most important - the ability to challenge you while at the same time build your confidence.

Wondering what a maven is? Or maybe a magi? A maven is an "expert" in one's field and the best example of "magi" are the Three Wise Men who went to visit Baby Jesus in the bible. Magi are just that - wise men...well, it could be women too.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

MENTORS, MAVENS & MAGI: Gaining Wisdom Through Others

A Wine & Cheese Networking Reception & Panel Discussion

I am pleased to have plans underway for the next wine & cheese networking reception. Mentors, Mavens & Magi: Gaining Wisdom Through Others is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 4:30-6:30 pm in the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, 4th Floor Enmax Ballroom. My thanks go to Patty Bourgeois of Long View Systems for working with me on this event as a moderator and partner. As we started working on the reception for November, we realized that the potential existed for an even more dynamic learning program, so we moved the event forward to February 2009.

We are pleased to have Mentoring expert and author, Shona Welsh join us to provide more insight into what mentoring is and how it works. Copies of Shona's book: "Mentoring the Future: A Guide to Building Mentoring Programs that Work" will also be available to purchase for anyone interested.

For this event, we wanted to have a mixed panel of men and women who are successful leaders and we're pleased to announce that we have confirmed the following panel members:

Lorraine Mitchelmore, VP of Exploration, Americas North with Shell Canada;
Steve Laut, President & COO of Canadian Natural Resources Limited;
Sue Riddell Rose, CEO of Paramount Energy Trust, and moderated by
Patty Bourgeois, Manager of Leadership Development at Long View Systems.

Please see links below for event information and the registration form and we're looking forward to seeing you there.

Click here for more detailed event information and registration form.
Click here to view the biographies of our panel.

We'll send out another notice once we have confirmed our final panel member. It's going to be inspirational evening with opportunity to network with some amazing people.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE LEADING WOMEN

Juliana Uto has left TransAlta and has moved into the role of Business Manager for Western Canada with Air Liquide Canada.

Patty Bourgeois has moved into the role of Manager, Leadership Development with Long View Systems.

Do you know someone who has moved? Or perhaps your own leadership role has changed - please drop me a line at leibham.and.company@shaw.ca so we can announce it.