Bula readers!
This past week or so, I have had quite a few engagements to attend to.
Firstly was my book launch, of which I was humbled and on a personal note, very appreciative of the amount of people who attended from such a wide spectrum of society.
I also had a very important family movie night on Saturday which involved popcorn, snacks and a feature length cartoon.
This was one of the highlights of the week as nothing gives me more pleasure than watching not just my children, but all children smile and enjoy themselves.
I also had a press conference, in regard to the formation of the new FBC board, where I was honoured to be given the role of chairman of the board and even more honored to be working alongside such an esteemed group of board members.
The members are made up of a senior lawyer, a very seasoned career banker and an entrepreneur with a legal background, who I am confident will not only do justice to their roles, but exceed expectations by following due process and working within the law for the betterment of the organisation.
At present, I am in Brisbane visiting my elderly parents who are now in there 80s and enjoying the twilight years of a full and fruitful life, where without knowing it, have contributed to so many people’s happiness and also assisted in fulfilling many individuals and family’s life goals.
This got me thinking about what tools are needed by the younger generations growing up in today’s society to assist them through their life journey.
TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are all great interactive tools, but to some degree can give a false impression of what life is really about.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe all these media platforms and so many others are great and can be very useful, but when the chips are down and you need some advice, there is nothing better than a mentor.
The true meaning for me of a mentor is someone who doesn’t judge you, but gives constructive advice on how to work through problems and is also a person who is there for you, even in your darkest hour.
I have been fortunate enough to have a few mentors throughout my life, who have advised and steered me clear of possible pitfalls and I am grateful to all of them.
My closest mentors are both my mother and father who have never judged me, but at the same time have guided me during my ups and downs in life and I am forever grateful to them for the wise words of wisdom and also kind and caring nature towards me.
I am mindful not everyone will have the same relationships with loved ones, but mentors can come from many different walks of life including friends, work colleagues, families, religious elders, business friends etc.
I believe a lot of people’s success is based around hard work and dedication, but in the background almost always is a mentor who is there advising and encouraging that person to be the best they can be in there given field.
Maybe, if you are reading this, you may want to consider and see if you can be a mentor to someone and be that person who can be an inspiration to others in a small way.
Believe me even helping by listening or having a few soft-spoken words of encouragement can be a wonderful boost to someone without knowing it.
Even super successful people need mentors, and you don’t have to look much further than two of the world’s most successful businessmen, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.
It is Gates who admits that over the years he has turned to Buffett for advice on various subjects and has referred to Buffett as a very kind and wise person, who is one-of-a-kind.
If you feel you want to be an inspiration as a mentor, here are a few tips on how to do that.
Serve
The most outstanding mentors are those who genuinely want to give back and make a difference in someone’s life.
Share
When it comes to being an inspiring mentor, sharing is key.
Don’t be afraid to pass along your knowledge.
Positivity
Rather than focusing on the skills that a mentee lacks, an inspirational mentor will help them develop their strengths.
Give
Good mentors are in it to help others rather than gain something for themselves.
Be real and authentic. Connect with your mentee by sharing some of your struggles.
Mentors that have stories to tell show that overcoming hurdles and obstacles is possible.
Engage
Talented mentors know what it takes to engage with others.
They are skilled at drawing out the best from their mentees.
Here are a few tips on making the mentoring relationship work.
Respect
The mentor and mentee may have very different backgrounds, personalities and experiences.
These differences can be a great opportunity to learn from one another and make sure the level of respect is maintained on both sides.
Guidance
The mentor’s role is to guide and help the mentee develop themselves both professionally and personally.
Trust
The mentee needs to have confidence in the mentor and trust that the mentor has the mentee’s best interests at heart.
Encourage
Good mentors know how to talk to and encourage their protégé.
Resilience is an important quality in any line of work and mentees should be taught to develop it.
Finally, if you think you have the simple qualities required to be mentor, please reach out and assist someone.
We could all do with someone to listen to us and encourage us along the journey we call life.
• AJAY BHAI AMRIT is a founding member of The People’s Alliance party and is also a freelance writer. The views expressed in this article are his and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.
