As I discovered the theme for this month’s magazine was ‘Mentors’ it rattled my brain as to what the word really meant. So, I hit up trusty Google. The word mentor can be described as ‘an experienced and trusted adviser.’ Also known as a person that gives emotional support, guidance and motivation. If most people were asked to think about the mentors in their lives, they would most likely be able to list a number of teachers, family friends or work colleagues that have helped guide them through their personal journey. I dare to ask the question however, what happens if your mentor is destructing your path? We often think of the word ‘mentor’ in a positive light, as a person who has walked a similar road to you and is able to relate and offer helpful advice. They are also generally older and can be viewed as insightful and wise. But is this always the case? This perception of older means wiser, can be tempting for a mentee to take the advice of their mentor without any deliberation or regard for the consequences. ‘They are older than me and have more life experience, surely they know more.’
A mentor is a person who takes you under their wing and supports you. What if their support is negative? What if their influence is toxic? The corporate world is notorious for mentors taking newcomers by their side to help climb social ladders. This is an important part of the job. You need to be well-liked in the company and people need to know your name. But what happens when it starts to challenge your integrity? What happens when the advice of your mentor doesn’t line up with your morals? Getting drunk with your boss and sleeping around might make you more popular on the team and get you more numbers, but is it destructing your path? Mentors are an excellent source to have in your life, but they need to be a positive influence. If their guidance and emotional support encourage you to live a life outside of what you know to be true, they are not a healthy mentor.
It is a blessing to have a mentor in your life, to support you through different seasons. But make sure they are a constructive one. Because look around, you are a mentor to someone too.
WRITER: Rochelle Ward, attends Nambour Church QLD.