Empowerment: Lifting As You Rise

G.R.O.W. family!

Hope you're all pumped up for this week's journey with our newsletter. Before we dive in, let's give a big shoutout to the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers for their amazing Super Bowl journey! Their rise to the top exemplifies what strong leadership and teamwork can achieve, perfectly aligning with this week's theme: Leadership.

In "Empowerment: Lifting as You Rise," we've got a lineup of news that aims to elevate your understanding and practice of leadership:

Growth Gateway
In "Mentorship - Crafting Tomorrow's Leaders," we spotlight the power of mentorship in shaping careers and lives, especially highlighting the challenges and triumphs of young women.

Insight Exchange
I'm taking you through my journey in "Leading By Example: Authenticity in Action," connecting my FBI experiences with my current role at A Few Good MENtors, Inc. It's all about the impact of authentic leadership.

Bridge Builders
"Feedback as a Gift: Constructive Criticism and Growth" is your go-to guide for transforming feedback into personal and professional development.

Plus, don't miss this week's Weekly Challenge - a personal reflection activity to identify and nurture a leadership quality you want to develop.

Grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and let's get ready for a week of inspiration, learning, and leadership growth. Together, let's embrace the power of lifting others as we climb.

Cheers to empowerment,

Michael R. Morgan

Editor of the G.R.O.W. Newsletter and President/Founder of A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

GROWTH GATEWAY

Mentorship - Crafting Tomorrow's Leaders

Businesses have long since acknowledged the need to invest time in equipping the next generation to succeed. That’s why they are establishing mentoring opportunities like internships and professional development for future and new employees in many companies and organizations – and these work well for the people in their usual orbit.

Young women – particularly those who face intersecting challenges such as racial bias, poverty, and adverse childhood experiences – too often lack equitable access to these opportunities. For many reasons, they are not as likely to encounter senior colleagues in the workplace who share their origins, backgrounds, and experiences, and there is no guarantee that those colleagues will be their mentors in any case.

For 158 years, mentors working with Girls Inc. have helped provide spaces and experiences for girls ages 5 to 18 to ensure they grow up healthy, educated, and independent. More recently, with Project Accelerate, we have expanded to engage young women through college and early career, helping them navigate workplaces differently and helping workplaces learn to include them more fully.

Reach back and mentor someone

Whoever and wherever they are, all young people look to those who are further along to understand what is possible and help them open doors. Some young people may think all they need to do is create their brand on TikTok, but we know this is not enough to help them advance in their careers. So where do they get the rest of the know-how they need?

The answer is mentors. We all must find a way to reach and mentor someone, wherever we are. This is more true now than ever, as companies have cited the difficulty of bringing new hires into their corporate culture during the pandemic.

You might think that videoconferencing makes it possible to have a virtual coffee with any mentor, anywhere. But true mentoring requires more than just a conversation. It happens partly through osmosis, through seeing how leaders prepare for conversations, how they bring energy into a room, and even how they speak and dress. It is both esoteric and essential, a nonverbal communication of norms and ways of being. Like it or not, the opportunity to watch senior people work between conversations is a pathway to advancement and mobility within organizations. It’s also a two-way street to inclusion: Mentoring gives a leader a valuable chance to see how new people think and to let those insights improve old ways of doing things.

Help young people feel supported

If you’re a young professional and there’s no mentoring culture where you are, ask someone to mentor you anyway. And if you’re a more experienced professional, make time to be a mentor or cultural guide, even if it’s just once. While it’s true that young people benefit from having long-term mentors, anyone can be the kind of mentor who is an inspiration and beacon. Perhaps you even remember a mentor you talked to just once and have had that conversation stay with you ever since.

Melinda Gates once said her mentors “taught [her] not only how to succeed in tech, but how to be the kind of person who empowered others to succeed as well – how to make people feel supported enough that they're willing to take risks.” Any one of us can be that kind of person. Helping young people feel supported and included, listening to them, and being willing to learn from them even as you show them the ropes is the way to transform culture, advance equity, improve outcomes, and change the world.

This article is written by Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D., President & CEO of Girls Inc., the national organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy. Girls Inc. works with schools and communities to provide mentoring relationships, safe spaces, and evidence-based programming that are proven to help girls succeed.

INSIGHT EXCHANGE

Leading By Example: Authenticity in Action

Get ready to jump into a whirlpool of leadership lessons with a twist of authenticity! My journey as President/Founder of A Few Good MENtors, Inc., (AFGM) combined with a thrilling 36-year adventure at the FBI, has been nothing short of a masterclass in 'Authentic Leadership 101.'

Picture this: running AFGM is like being the captain of a ship sailing through unpredictable seas. We're talking about mentor recruitment, board management, budgeting gymnastics, and keeping our eyes on the prize - our mission. It's a rollercoaster, but guess what? The secret to navigating these waters has been a huge dose of authenticity and a generous dash of integrity.

Let's rewind to my FBI days. It wasn't all about chasing the bad guys; it was a playground for grooming leadership skills. I'm talking about integrity, ethics, and maintaining a positive culture. These weren't just tools to help crack cases; they were the building blocks of true leaders. And guess what? I brought this entire toolkit to AFGM - because leading right is leading authentically.

Let's expose a myth: Authentic leadership isn't just about keeping it real. It's about living and breathing the values you champion. At the FBI, I learned that leading teams meant more than delegating tasks; it was about being transparent, approachable, and, most importantly, being consistent. This magic formula fostered trust and respect, the bedrock of any winning team. At AFGM, I put on these shoes daily, ensuring I'm there for my team and mentees, not just as a figurehead but as a real, approachable human being.

But wait, there's more! Authentic leadership is like jazz; it’s all about improvisation and adaptation while staying true to the rhythm (your core values, in this case). At AFGM, we're designing a tune where everyone's voice harmonizes, contributions shine, and learning is a two-way street.

Facing challenges? It's not just about basking in the glory of success; it's also about gracefully dancing through the storms and learning new moves along the way.

In the grand scheme of things, authentic leadership is the art of being true to yourself while tuning into the needs of those you lead. It's about being the conductor who inspires trust and respect through every note and beat. At AFGM, we're not just passing the baton but orchestrating future leaders through example.

So, as we march forward with AFGM, let’s hit the high notes of authenticity in leadership. It's not just a trait; it's our anthem. It's what turns managers into maestros, organizations into orchestras, and dreams into realities.

Keep leading with heart and authenticity. Let's make leadership music together!

BRIDGE BUILDERS

Feedback as a Gift: Constructive Criticism and Growth

Let’s unwrap an often misunderstood yet incredibly valuable topic – feedback. Yes, you heard that right! Feedback, especially constructive criticism, is like a hidden treasure that can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth. Think of it as a gift, one that keeps on giving.

In our journey of self-improvement, feedback is like a compass. It points us in the right direction, highlights areas we might have overlooked, and opens doors to new possibilities. It can be a little uncomfortable at first – like trying on a new pair of shoes. But once you break it in, you're set to walk miles you never thought possible.

Now, how do we handle feedback constructively? Here’s a handy checklist:

Listen Actively: When receiving feedback, listen without interrupting. It’s not just about hearing the words but understanding the message behind them.

Stay Open-Minded: Keep an open mind. Feedback is an opportunity for growth, not a personal attack.

Ask Questions: If something isn’t clear, ask for specifics. It shows you’re engaged and committed to understanding and improving.

Separate Emotion from Feedback: It’s natural to feel defensive, but try to separate your emotions from the feedback. Focus on the content, not the delivery.

Reflect and Evaluate: Take some time to reflect on the feedback. Ask yourself, “How can this help me grow?” Sometimes, stepping back gives you a clearer perspective.

Create an Action Plan: Turn feedback into actionable steps. What can you change or improve? Make a plan and set some goals.

Say Thank You: Always thank the person for their feedback. It shows maturity and appreciation for their input, even if it's tough to hear.

Everyone has room for improvement, and feedback is a key part of the process. It’s about building resilience, adaptability, and a mindset geared towards continuous learning.

Let’s not forget that giving feedback is as important as receiving it. When offering feedback:

Be Specific: Provide clear and specific insights. It’s more helpful to say, “I think you could engage more in meetings by sharing your ideas,” rather than a vague, “Be more proactive.”

Focus on Behavior, Not the Person: Talk about actions, not personality traits. “I noticed you missed a few deadlines” is more constructive than “You’re disorganized.”

Offer Solutions: Don’t just point out what’s wrong. Offer suggestions for improvement.

Be Empathetic: Put yourself in their shoes. Deliver feedback in a way you’d like to receive it.

Feedback, both giving and receiving, is a skill that enhances our ability to connect, empathize, and grow. So, let's embrace it, learn from it, and use it to propel ourselves towards our goals.

Remember, feedback is a gift – unwrap it wisely and watch how it transforms your journey.

Keep growing.

Weekly Challenge

Identify and Reflect on a Leadership Quality to Develop

This week, let’s take a moment for some introspection and self-improvement with a simple challenge. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it's a journey of continuous personal growth. Whether you're already in a leadership role or aspiring to be in one, there's always room to enhance your skills.

Your Challenge: Identify one leadership quality you wish to develop. It could be anything from improving your communication skills, learning to delegate more effectively, enhancing your emotional intelligence, or becoming more adaptable to change. Once you've picked your quality, here's what to do:

Write It Down: Physically, writing down your goal can make it more tangible and real. Grab a notebook or use a digital note-taking app and jot down the leadership quality you wish to develop.

Reflect on Its Importance: Why did you choose this specific quality? Reflect on how developing this skill could impact your personal and professional life. Understanding its significance can be a great motivator.

Set Small Goals: Break down this big goal into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you want to improve your communication, a small goal could be to start asking for feedback after your presentations or meetings.

Seek Resources: Look for books, podcasts, workshops, or mentors who can help you develop this quality. Continuous learning is key to growth.

Commit to Practice: Theory is great, but practice makes perfect. Find opportunities to practice this quality in your daily life, whether at work, in volunteer activities, or in personal relationships.

Reflect at the End of the Week: At the end of the week, take some time to reflect on your progress. Did you find opportunities to practice this quality? How did it feel? What can you do to continue this growth?

Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Each step you take in developing your leadership skills brings you closer to becoming the leader you aspire to be.

Share your chosen quality and progress with us, and let’s grow together!

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“If it’s not your assignment, it requires your assistance.”

Pastor Wesley T. Cherry, Word Alive Church International located in Manassas, Virginia.

WRAPPING UP AND LOOKING AHEAD

Ok, G.R.O.W. family!

As we wrap up this week’s enlightening journey through the world of leadership, I hope you’re walking away with some fresh insights and a renewed sense of purpose. It's been fun exploring the various facets of leadership with you all, from the power of mentorship to the authenticity in leadership and the transformative nature of feedback.

Now, get ready to mark your calendars! Our next issue drops on 2/5/2024, and we're diving headfirst into the dynamic world of education. It’s going to be an exciting exploration filled with insights and ideas that could reshape how you think about learning and growth. So, stay tuned for that!

And here’s a special call-out to everyone who believes in the power of mentorship: A Few Good MENtors, Inc. is on the lookout for new mentors and mentees! If you’re passionate about guiding others or seeking guidance to navigate your journey, we’d love to have you on board. But hurry, the deadline to register for our next mentoring session is 3/16/2024. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of our ever-growing, impactful community.

Until next time, keep the spirit of learning and leadership alive. Let's continue to grow, inspire, and transform, one step at a time. See you in the next issue with lots of exciting content on education!

Stay curious, stay inspired,

Michael R. Morgan

Editor of the G.R.O.W. newsletter and President/Founder of A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

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