Module Five: Mentorship

In a season of life where the hits just keep coming, it makes sense to ask, “What can we do about it?” A wise leader, Steve, made a statement recently that reminded me of the responsibility we have as leaders. He said that in hard times, people follow us because of the kind of “shade that we are casting.” He made me stop and think about the shadow I was casting onto those around me.

When we get caught up in the daily struggles and requirements of life, we tend to become inwardly focused. This may cause us to cast a shadow of self-centeredness or apathy toward others. When we don’t take control of our words, we cast a shadow of rudeness or of being unkind. Conversely, when we invest and take the time to truly listen to those around us, we cast a shadow of authentic care and concern.

The bad news is that we do not get to decide if we cast a shadow. The good news is that we get to decide what kind of shadow we cast. Make no mistake: casting the right kind of shadows requires effort and hard work. But providing a shadow of truth, hope, and encouragement is what true leadership is all about.

Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership

Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to achieve personal and professional growth. At its heart, it is about forming meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and helping others reach their potential. True mentorship creates an environment where trust, collaboration, and learning flourish. At MSS, mentorship plays a key role in how we lead, empowering individuals and building strong connections that drive success.

The Mentorship module of The MSS Way is designed to help you become a confident and effective mentor through four key lessons. Building a Culture of Mentorship focuses on making mentorship an everyday part of your organization. By working together, leading by example, and prioritizing shared success, you can create stronger teams and set the stage for lasting growth and trust. The Foundation of Effective Mentoring explores the traits of great mentors, like trust, humility, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. This lesson provides tools to build meaningful connections by understanding your mentees’ goals and tailoring your guidance to fit their needs. Listening: The Cornerstone of Leadership highlights the importance of intentional listening, teaching you how to hear beyond words, recognize unspoken needs, and create empathetic relationships that build trust. Finally, Bridging Generational Gaps tackles the diverse perspectives in today’s workplace, showing you how to connect across generations, appreciate differences, and strengthen teamwork through mutual learning and understanding.

Mentorship goes beyond individual growth to strengthen our entire organization. It builds a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared success where everyone has the chance to thrive. By embracing the strategies taught in these lessons, you will not only develop your own leadership skills but also create a lasting impact on those around you. Let’s dig in and start building a culture of mentorship together!

“A mentor takes people where they want to go. A great mentor takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.”

— Rosalynn Carter