Mentors - a nibble on your toes

Diary of a Whimpy REALTOR

So I have been given the nickname “Socrates” due to periods of cogitating, and with doing so, getting the answer needed using the Socratic Method, i.e. “named after the Socrates classical Greek Philosopher , is a form of inquiry and debate between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. It is a dialectical method, often involving an oppositional discussion in which the defense of one point of view is pitted against the defense of another; one participant may lead another to contradict him in some way, strengthening the inquirer's own point.”

So what does this have to do with mentoring? Ahhhh...I am glad you asked grasshopper. Sometimes when we start to lose focus, a call to someone we have considered a mentor is in order. Now I sometimes say that they are busting my chops, but, it is what it is; a chop busting is sometimes warranted. Now seeing how I use the Socratic Method with many people, my mentors have a tendency to use the same method with me.

Let's use this as an example. There have been some rough spots in the current Philly real estate market, but I do not let that get to me, and I'll call one of my mentors, I have 3 and I'll get to that shortly; and I'll ask “what is going on, why am I not meeting a certain goal?” One of the greatest questions asked of me is, “What have you changed or done different that made that change happen?” See how this works? Sometimes we need someone to ask us that in order for us to open our minds.

As stated I have three mentors, one for my business, and he has been on my heels about finishing my credits for my Broker's License, my other friend for my growth in the Masonic Fraternity, and my other friend for my personal and religious life. The number 3 has a spiritual significance, another topic at another time; however having several mentors has a tendency to keep us on track. Some may call it a coach, but it is still a form of mentoring. Many successful people surround themselves with advisers, however, can they still be called mentors?

For your success, whether it be personal or business, align yourself with someone, or a group of people, to have he/she or them to become your mentor. See you on the flip side....