THE MENTOR

The year-end review is an important opportunity to assess and discuss the progress of the goals that were set at the beginning of the performance cycle. Although you should be providing ongoing feedback to your staff members and organization, the year-end review offers a more formal occasion to address any performance issues that may have arisen, and/or to discuss major shifts in work priorities that would affect the business and your ability to achieve your yearend plan. It is also an opportunity to discuss progress made on the initiatives that were laid out to help achieve the goals. Finally, the year-end review is also an opportunity to note where support and additional resources might be necessary for future planning.

As you are gathering the results and prepare for your year-end reviews, I thought we would talk about the year-end review process in our next newsletter.

I would like to devote this newsletter to the Mentor. I think it is important to take the time each year to think about and recognize those individuals, both present and in the past, that have made significant contributions to your personal and professional growth. For those who are still with us, a simple thank you note or quick call may be a nice way to recognize and thank them. Some of our mentors have passed, and keeping them in our thoughts, prayers, and in our minds is a way to recognize them as well. Each of us can add our own personal touch to this recognition.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. For each of us there is a person, a mentor, who you are grateful towards; who helped get you to where you are. Sharing the story with those in your care is a way of recognizing them, but also showing the value you are placing on mentorship. As for me, I have been fortunate to have worked with and be mentored by some very special people; none more incredible than Coach John Wooden.

The books by legendary Coach John Wooden have had a profound influence in my life and career. I have had many great honors in my lengthy career. Some honors were through achievement, and some were in meeting the people and seeing the many places my career has taken me. Meeting Coach Wooden ranks as one of the best. I originally went to college to be a High School History teacher and a baseball coach, so I have always had a passion for coaching and a belief that great leaders were great coaches and teachers. For me, being a leader allowed me to pursue my coaching and teaching passion in a different venue.

Coach Wooden was both gracious and hospitable as we met and spoke in his home. I count this as one of the incredible moments in my career, and it brought the books to life. After this meeting and conversation, Coach Wooden was an integral part my leadership world.

Coach Wooden has been called one of the most respected coaches in the history of sports and the most successful coach in men’s college basketball history. Under his leadership, the Bruins achieved many accomplishments, including a record 10 NCAA men’s basketball championship titles. Many believe the records set under Coach Wooden’s leadership are unbreakable. He was also well known for his inspirational theories.

At our meeting, during our conversations, and in all the future readings, Coach Wooden helped shape my professional life and values.

Coach Wooden identified two cornerstones that laid the foundation for his “Pyramid of Success” —industriousness and enthusiasm. Industriousness, as Wooden defined it, is more than just showing up and going through the motions. It is work – hard work. It is the ability to not only work hard but to continue to improve. On the other end of the structure is enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the heart behind the hard work. I learned and added my distinctive touch over time: that “Hard work without enthusiasm is just that—hard work.” Enthusiasm is the ability to reach your full potential, to prepare and perform at your highest level. It is contagious, It brushes off on those you work with, those you work for, and the ones you lead. Coach Wooden and I were fortunate to coach, teach, and mentor some excellent individuals who went onto highly successful careers, Coach Wooden in the basketball arena and myself in the business arena.

Two of the most important words in any language are, “Thank You!” Take the time to say those two words to that person who made a difference in your life.

A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2023 to you and your families.

For the complete interview with Coach Wooden visit our website at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/category/leadership-training/