Young mentor, old mentor

Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Get the Most Out of Their RelationshipsTom Morris wrote an interesting advice when it comes to mentoring:

A very wise woman in her 40s once said to me that she always makes sure that she has at least two women friends — one a good deal older, and one sigificantly younger.   The older one shows her the way forward, she explained. The younger one renews her energy for the journey.

Interesting advice for mentoring. When we think about finding a mentor, we usually think about seeking out a more senior person,or a number of such people. Maybe that’s half of the game. Perhaps an exposure to youth has its own teaching purpose in our lives.

That’s a pretty interesting concept I thought I’d share with my readers. Viewing the perspectives from both mentors, gives us the ability to see what we cannot yet see, and the ability to see what we have forgotten to see. Everyone, regardless of accomplishments, age, and power, can learn from others.

And to quote Mike Myatt, the Managing Director and Chief Strategy Officer of N2growth:

Whether young or old, experienced or inexperienced, the best way to approach personal and professional development is to always stay in the learning zone. When you think you have all the answers is when you are headed straight for the proverbial brick wall. Always seek out people who know more than you do and actively learn from them. Find a mentor or coach who can dispassionately point out your shortcomings and help you chart a path to progress. Most things in life happen as a result of choices we make and you can make the choice to gain an understanding of what it is that you don’t know and determine what you want to do with that information. It’s your choice…choose wisely.

I don’t personally own this book, but I’d be interested to know if anyone else has read it.