Over the course of the festive season I have been blessed with the sharing of festive greetings with family and friends all over the world. It is all about giving and receiving and for me – the giving is the most important part. While I cherish each and every message that I have received, there was one that touched my heart. One of the young professionals that I mentor and who has always been there for me to help with the development of the solutions that we provide sent me a message that said, “Here’s to a year that will bring us good health, wealth and prosperity. It is never about the destination…it is about the journey. It all has to be meant to be!” There is little doubt in my mind and obviously in her mind as well that we have an exciting year ahead of us. It will be a year that we get to make a difference in organizations and in the lives of many people. That is what it is all about!
Can you imagine working in an organization that had employees that were filled with the positive energy that my colleague has – who were willing to take on any challenges that were thrown their way – and would seek out challenges if none were presented to them. All of which were for the betterment of the organization and their personal development. Is this a dream or is it reality?
Are all organizations like that? Do some provide “window dressings” that coax potential employees into the organization on the premise that they care about their employees? Are there organizations out there that actually care about their employees? They are the ones that “talk the talk and walk the walk”! What about the organizations that do not fit this mould. Are they the ones where managers lurk in the hallways waiting for employees to make a mistake so they can pounce on them and subject them to the formal discipline process? Are they the ones that have forgotten about employee development – where you mentor employees when you need a behavioural change to take place first before you head down the discipline path? Have they created a mentoring culture where employees are “engaged, empowered, and accountable?” Chances are if the organization is covering up how it actually feels about its employees with “window dressings” then it is definitely not a place with a mentoring culture and more than likely the majority of the employees will be disengaged.
Is 2012 a “new beginning” for you? Are you looking at a change in career or do you need to move on to a new organization as the water cooler talk and negativity where you are now is stifling your creativity? If 2012 is the start of a new chapter in your career/life then you need to take the next step carefully. Proceed carefully and research your potential employer. You should determine if they have a mentoring culture and if employees are engaged, empowered and accountable. Do they have recognition programs in place that have substance and are not just another form of “window dressing”?
If you struggle with figuring this out, chances are you need to search out someone that is a good mentor – an accredited mentor who can assist you in your journey. They will guide you and help you develop the critical thinking skills to make the right decisions.
2012 is definitely a “new beginning” for you – take advantage of the “power of mentoring” and make sure that 2012 is a memorable year for you.