REFLECTION: As we spoke about overload pressures in the workplace, one seminar participant expressed dismay at how many meetings she had to attend. In her view, they were far too frequent, and ate up far too much time. 

As a long time employee in the organization, there wasn’t much that was new to her on any agenda. As a result, at most meetings she felt like she was just putting in time, twiddling her thumbs, and spinning her wheels. Meanwhile her ‘real work’ was piling up at her desk.

You may have felt that way yourself, especially if you’ve been around for a while. The new information shared at a meeting may amount to 5 or 10 minutes. The rest of the time is spent going over what may be, for you, old ground and tired issues.

I was especially interested, though, to hear one of her co-workers offer another perspective. He, too, had spent many years with the organization; but he saw the situation from a different point of view. According to him, the meetings were no longer about what he might get out of them – but rather about what he could contribute. 

He viewed himself as a mentor and coach to newer, younger colleagues. He considered time spent in meetings, coaching and developing others, to be a great investment and a key part of his current role in the organization. 

ACTION: If you are one of the ‘old experienced hands’ in your organization, recognizing and acting on mentoring opportunities could well be one of YOUR most valuable contributions. 

With this mindset, every meeting room becomes a classroom, as you step into your vital role as an informal educator and coach.  What a legacy to leave in your wake!

Who needs your help and insight today?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Mentor: a wise and trusted advisor, teacher or counsellor.

Mentor: someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction. – John Crosby

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Check out this informative article on Reasons To Be A Mentor by Linda Phillips-Jones: http://www.mentoringgroup.com/html/articles/mentor_1.html

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL:  Final week for this year’s Mother’s Day Special. Give a Mom (or yourself) the gift of ideas – a trio of my books – one copy each of Press Pause…Press On, WorkTips, and HomeTips for $45 (shipping and taxes included) – a total saving of 25%. For more detailed info on the three books see: https://www.patkatz.com/old/resources/books.shtml

Place your order on-line through this direct shop cart link:

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Or just fax your order to (306) 242-0795. Ask for the MD Book Trio Special with your name, shipping address, phone, and cc info (name on card, number, and expiration date). 

READERS WRITE: In response to last week’s message, Speaking Life’s Truths, Pause reader BF writes: “Today’s message hit home for me as a reminder that part of the reason to slow down is to be available for those sort of encounters that come when you’re “there” to listen. It helps to weave us both (the listener and the overwrought) back into connection and thus feel more like we are part of something bigger. And, that is a comfort to both of us.”