The Mentoring Mindset
Some of us have been fortunate enough to have had mentors throughout our careers. These people take us under their wing, guide us purposefully along our path, and take time to develop a meaningful relationship that goes beyond a typical work connection. Mentees who are open to change can gain far-reaching benefits from this relationship, learning and growing for years to come.
As a CFO, I find it important to bring that “mentoring mindset” to the table when working with my clients, and I’m honored to fill such a role when the opportunity presents itself. To me, mentoring a client goes hand in hand with being a trusted advisor. As we work together to bring about great results for your company, you can rest assured that you’ll have a mentor with you every step of the way to assist in your company’s evolution.
In a recent Harvard Business Review article, author and business leader, Anthony K. Tjan shared, “the best leaders practice a form of leadership that is less about creating followers and more about creating other leaders.”
That is the goal of mentoring and is my true objective when working with business owners. While I certainly share insights from my years of experience as a business owner myself, it is more important that I help clients grow as individuals so that they can take their own company to the next level.
Mentoring must first be relationship based. Clients benefit from this type of relationship when they are open enough to share their fears and their accomplishments, their audacious goals as well as their uncertainties. I believe that the mentor/mentee relationship can yield extraordinary results in a business when the business owner is willing to have an open dialog and is not afraid of making changes for the benefit of him/herself and the company as a whole.
Along with financial intelligence, here are a few of the things my “mentoring mindset” can help bring to fruition:
Problem Solving
A true mentor can help you walk through tough issues, understand the problem, and uncover solutions through guidance, encouragement, and support. As a mentor, I help you understand the problems from a different perspective and use best business practices to bring about change.
Fostering Leadership, Culture, and Values
Mentors are like mirrors – they help you see the best in yourself so that you can capitalize on your natural strengths and develop the areas that could use a tune-up. As you fine-tune your leadership skills, you’ll gain the confidence needed to further solidify the culture and values you want to see displayed in your company.
Guidance, Encouragement, and Advice
It can be lonely at the top, and having a mentor can provide you with a sounding board for your most important business decisions.
When you work with me as your trusted advisor and fractional Chief Financial Officer, know that you are getting so much more – someone who is willing to reach out, offer a hand, and be that mentor who walks with you each step of the way as you make your company great.
