Chapter 1: The Impact of Mentorship

Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to cross paths with some truly remarkable mentors who generously shared their wisdom. They were candid about my areas for growth, helping me evolve both personally and professionally.

My mentors were extraordinary individuals who were not shy about imparting their best insights. They provided honest feedback on where I could improve.

Like many dedicated individuals striving to reach their goals, I have had the privilege of learning from exceptional mentors. While many of us navigate the ups and downs of having supervisors and bosses, few experience the profound influence of true mentorship.

Mentorship is distinct from traditional management. While it's possible to develop a friendly rapport with supervisors, the relationship with a mentor is fundamentally different. A boss often seeks to maximize output with minimal investment in your development. Training may be limited to a few hours, but this pales in comparison to the personalized growth that mentorship offers.

Mentors are a different breed entirely. They take pride in nurturing your potential and are committed to elevating your skills—not merely settling for mediocrity. Their motivation often stems from a genuine passion for the subject they are mentoring you in, whether it's work-related or otherwise.

Before entering the workforce, I can't say that I had a true mentor. My parents imparted valuable life lessons, but referring to them as mentors doesn’t quite capture the essence of that relationship. My first real mentor was Reed, the manager at Footlocker during my initial days with the company. At 23, I had already accumulated three years of retail experience and was a decent salesman, but Reed helped me reach new heights.

Reed was approachable and easygoing, likely in his late 30s or early 40s, with a friendly demeanor that made him enjoyable to work with. He noticed that I often avoided eye contact during our conversations, perhaps due to shyness or simply keeping an eye out for customers. One day, during a shift, he addressed this directly.

"You're not comfortable looking people in the eye when you talk, are you?" he asked.

His question caught me off guard and felt somewhat insulting at first. However, I quickly realized he was right. Effective communication, especially in sales, necessitates direct eye contact. This insight proved to be a valuable life lesson, prompting me to practice more with both colleagues and customers.

A month later, Reed informed us that we would have a Manager in Training, Keith, joining our team from a nearby town. He arrived on a busy day, exuding energy and enthusiasm, even engaging with passersby outside the store. Reed remarked to me, “I’d prefer one of him on my sales floor than ten of you guys.” Although I initially felt defensive, I realized that Reed's honesty was a gift.

Keith, a father of five with another child on the way, was under significant pressure as he sought promotion to manage two Footlocker stores. After a month, he achieved that goal, and I was thrilled for him, especially given the hard work he'd put in.

After a few months with Reed, I transitioned to help Keith in Twin Falls. I was nervous about working under someone so driven, but when I arrived, I found him exhausted but genuinely grateful for my assistance. We quickly developed a close friendship, and Keith became another significant mentor in my life.

Chapter 2: The Lessons from Mentors

The first video discusses the essential qualities of a mentor, emphasizing the traits to look for when seeking guidance.

Keith taught me the importance of hard work and recruitment in our field. He believed that our strength lies in our collective capabilities, a lesson that has stuck with me.

After several months, I was transferred to Salt Lake City, and Keith was assigned to a high-volume store in California. I attribute much of my success to Keith’s influence.

My other key mentor was Doug, my first real estate broker at RE/MAX. He had a wealth of experience in both commercial and residential real estate. Doug recognized my commitment and encouraged me to visualize my goals, a mantra that resonated deeply with me: “If you can SEE it, you can BE it.”

The second video highlights the qualities that are crucial for effective mentors and explains the significance of their role.

Doug's guidance has been invaluable, and I still apply his lessons today as I navigate my writing career. The honesty and support from Reed, Keith, and Doug have significantly shaped my approach to mentorship and personal growth.

Reflecting on these experiences, I cherish the memories and lessons shared with my mentors. They believed in my potential, and I strive to honor that faith by mentoring others who are open to growth.