MENTOR

At one point or the other in your life, you must have come across the word “mentor”. It is not some vague word that people use to feel or sound important; it is an important concept you need to get familiar with if you want to tow the path of greatness. It is an essential ingredient in the recipe of greatness. Great men and women have and are still towing this path. Some of them are Bill Gates and his mentor Warren Buffet, Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, the 12 disciples and Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr. and Benjamin E. Mays and many others to mention but a few. These men and women understood that to get ahead; you need to learn from those who have gone ahead.

Do you remember when you were in school, and you were preparing for an examination? At some point in your preparation, you would begin to seek out past questions. Why did you that? I’m sure you know the answer. The best and easiest way to surmount any task or challenge is to learn from those who have done the same and triumphed. Research has shown that 70% of small businesses that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, which is double the rate compared to non-mentored entrepreneurs[1].

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 9:9 ESV

One of the most simple and most comprehensive definitions of the word “mentor” is this one: A mentor is a more experienced individual, who guides a lesser experienced person. That is it. It is as simple as that. So perhaps you have been wondering what it means or what it takes to be a mentor, there you have it. A mentor has to have a reasonable amount of experience and relevant knowledge in the field they want to mentor in. A mentor is a teacher, guardian, counsellor and sponsors all in one.

Now that you know who a mentor is, I believe you understand the importance of having one. Have you ever been in a situation where you are heading to a destination, but you do not know the right road that leads to your destination? I’m sure you asked someone to show you the right direction. Imagine how frustrating it would be if nobody knows the direction, or you refuse to seek help, you would waste so much time and might not still reach the destination. Mentors are there to direct you. No matter the field, there are people who have towed the path you are just about to set on and are willing to share their experiences with you.

Now that you know who a mentor is, you should begin to seriously get one or becoming one if you are qualified. Mentors are life and nation builders.

Thank you for reading. Do you have a mentor? Or are you a mentor? Please share your comments with me below in the box.

[1] https://nationalmentoringday.org/facts-and-faq/