This has been a tough week.
A client and I have decided that we can no longer work together, not because we can’t get the tasks done, but because our styles do not mesh.

So I have been thinking about different styles and cultures and qualities. Especially those styles, cultures and qualities that I want more of in my work.

I have talked about having an advocate, but today I am leaving the movies out of it and focusing on the real world.

I keep coming back to positive experiences.
Or circumstances.
Or situations.
But especially, people.

Two people in my work life, Grey and Giovanna, were generous mentors.
They helped me along lovingly, with kindness.

• Critique without barbs.
• Help in the right places.
• Pointed, caring questions.
• Scaffolding as needed.
• Abundant Encouragement.

Once, after a particularly disastrous presentation, Grey asked,
“What do you think happened today?”
and
“Why did you feel uncomfortable?”

When I said that I didn’t think I could do the presentation again, she suggested I think of the people in the audience as moms or grandmothers or aunts.
She reminded me that I knew leaps and bounds more than they did on this particular topic. (it was the 80’s and we were implementing computer systems)
She added that they were looking to me for answers and I could help them.

Years later, Giovanna was supremely more qualified than our boss to do the work that we were charged with. We giggled and went for coffee and talked about Italy and family and work life. She worked diligently, but there was a lightness about her approach. And she never took herself too seriously.

But I didn’t benefit just from her example, even though her enthusiastic optimism was a daily lesson for the whole office. On days when I felt like a beginner or a fraud, Giovanna encouraged me, letting me know I had talents that I couldn’t see.

How do I bring more of that sense of caring and helpfulness into my day?

For now, I am writing two gratitude letters.

Who are the mentors that helped, encouraged, brightened your path?
Let me know in the comments.