Why and how are Mentors Important?

I have recently accepted a Lower School Head position at an independent school in Fauquier County Virginia. I suspect many of my blog entries will be dedicated to my transition to this new role.

Why and how are Mentors Important?

After sharing with a friend that I was taking on a new opportunity as the Lower School Head of nearby independent school, I asked her if she would like to celebrate with me. Her quick response was yes let’s celebrate now! And so just a few days later we were together having a long, leisurely lunch. When I confirmed our lunch date, I mentioned, “By the way I have just named you my mentor.” Interestingly enough, this happened to be the second time she has been my mentor – when I first set foot in Virginia she guided me down the path of being a proactive diversity practitioner. My mentor now happens to be a Lower School Head at another nearby independent school, so I knew she would have a lot of insight to share. But truly, what we both wanted was simply to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.

I don’t think I realized the importance of mentorship until I stepped away and reflected on all of her insights during a long, leisurely, insightful lunch. I am so grateful to have her expertise, knowledge and care. What are some of the takeaways?

• When you first accept a new opportunity you tend to think solely of all the positives; although you acknowledge the challenges you don’t contemplate the difficulties you will face – she ensured me that the difficulties will surface and helped me to be ready to confront them.
• When I mentioned I felt that many seemed to want miracles from my leadership, she responded, “Yes, they do want miracles from your leadership. So be prepared.”
• She helped me understand: How to enter into a new space; how to understand the different character types you will work with; and how to find networks of support.
• I left with a bibliography of reading material, a list of organizations to join, some quick tips, and of course a full stomach!
• But most importantly I left knowing how easy life seems when you love your job, and that the most important thing a mentor can do is to show how much they care about your success 

As I enter this new journey I have someone at my side who truly cares about this craft; I know as I become a mentor to the teachers I serve and support – the most important thing I can demonstrate is that I care about their success. What are your thoughts on mentoring leaders and teachers?