Welcome to this week's edition of G.R.O.W. (Guidance Redefines Our Way), where we continue fostering growth, resilience, and meaningful connections in professional and personal environments.

As we approach November 19th, International Men's Day, we're reminded of the profound impact positive male role models have on our communities, workplaces, and families. This year's theme, "Positive Male Role Models," resonates deeply with our organization's mission. At A Few Good MENtors, we witness daily how meaningful mentorship and guidance can transform lives and create ripples of positive change throughout communities.

In today's work environment, feeling overwhelmed isn't just common – it's becoming the norm. Recent studies from the American Psychological Association reveal that 79% of employees experienced work-related stress in the past month. As we explore strategies for managing workplace stress, we're mindful that building resilience isn't a solitary journey. It's about creating and nurturing supportive connections like mentorship relationships.

We're excited to introduce a new section in our newsletter: "Good News." We are inundated with negative headlines that often dominate our feeds. This section will spotlight uplifting stories and positive developments from around the globe. This week, we're featuring an enlightening piece about "third places" – spaces beyond home and work where community flourishes and well-being thrives. This addition to our newsletter reflects our belief that guidance comes in many forms, including stories that inspire hope and showcase human connection.

A friend works as a public relations professional for the federal government, and she felt the pressure of meeting her deadlines just six months ago. "I was constantly checking emails at 3 AM, skipping lunch breaks, and feeling like I could never catch up," she shared. "But after learning the right tools and techniques and finding support through mentorship, I've completely transformed my work experience." Today, she leads workshops on stress management in her organization, embodying the ripple effect of positive guidance that G.R.O.W. strives to create.

In this week's newsletter, we'll explore:

• Practical strategies for managing workplace stress

• Real stories of transformation through mentorship

• The power of finding your "third place" in our Good News section

• Tips for building resilient professional relationships

• A weekly challenge designed to boost your well-being

As we celebrate International Men's Day and the power of positive role models, remember that every step you take toward better well-being creates a path for others to follow. Whether you're a mentor, mentee, or someone seeking growth, your journey matters to our community.

Let's check out this week's insights...

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GROWTH GATEWAY

Taking Control - Your Guide to Workplace Stress Management

Let's talk about something we all deal with but don't always know how to handle—workplace stress. Do you know that feeling when your inbox is overflowing, deadlines loom, and your coffee isn't strong enough? Yeah, we've all been there. But here's the good news: understanding your stress is the first step to managing it, and we're in this together.

First Things First: Let's Check In With Yourself

Have you noticed any of these lately?

• Your shoulders are practically touching your ears from tension

• That 3 AM wake-up thinking about tomorrow's meeting

• The Sunday night dread that starts creeping in around lunchtime

• Your usually steady hands shake a bit during presentations

• Finding yourself snapping at colleagues over small things

If you're nodding along, you're not alone. These are your body and mind's way of waving a flag, saying, "Hey, we need to talk about this!"

What's Going On Here?

Let's get real about what's triggering stress in today's workplace:

The Digital Tsunami Remember when we thought email would make life easier? Now we're juggling Slack, Teams, Zoom, emails, and that one colleague who still prefers phone calls. Try this: Set specific times for checking messages. The world won't end if you don't respond instantly.

The Invisible Workload: You know what I mean—those tasks that aren't in your job description but somehow become your responsibility. For example, being the unofficial IT person because you once fixed the printer. It's okay to say, "That's not in my wheelhouse."

The Work-From-Home Dilemma: Your bedroom is now your office, your kitchen is your break room, and your pet is your coworker. Setting boundaries isn't just good – it's essential. Create a dedicated workspace, even if it's just a corner of your dining table.

Your Stress-Busting Toolkit

Quick Fixes (When You Need Relief NOW)

1. The 4-7-8 Breath (Trust me, it works!)

   • Breathe in for 4 seconds (like you're smelling a flower)

   • Hold for 7 (like you're building suspense)

   • Exhale for 8 (like you're blowing out birthday candles) and Repeat three times. This is like a reset button for your nervous system.

2. The 5-Minute Escape Stand up (yes, right now!), stretch, and look out the window. Name:

   • 5 things you can see

   • 4 things you can touch

   • 3 things you can hear

   • 2 things you can smell

   • 1 thing you can taste. Congratulations – you just did mindfulness without even trying!

Long-Game Strategies

Build Your Boundaries Like a Boss

• Create email signatures stating your working hours

• Use your calendar to block "focus time."

• Practice saying, "Let me check my schedule and get back to you."

Task Taming Tips Remember the old saying about eating an elephant one bite at a time? (Weird saying, great advice!)

1. Break big projects into small, manageable chunks

2. Celebrate small wins (Yes, finishing that spreadsheet deserves a victory dance)

3. Use the "Two-Minute Rule" – if it takes less than two minutes, do it now

The Plot Twist

Here's something that might surprise you: not all stress is bad. Sometimes, that flutter in your stomach before a presentation is your body getting ready to shine. The key is learning to differentiate between stress that motivates and paralyzes.

Your Next Steps

Start small—like, really small. Pick one thing from this guide—maybe it's the breathing exercise or blocking out lunch breaks in your calendar. Try it for a week. Then add another. Think of it like building a stress-management playlist, one song at a time.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish – it's necessary. You can't pour from an empty cup, and your well-being matters not just to you but to everyone around you.

Want to share your stress-management wins or get more personalized strategies? Contact us—we're here to support you on this journey. You can contact us at [email protected]

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INSIGHT EXCHANGE

A Candid Conversation About Workplace Stress

Today, we're privileged to have an exclusive interview with Emmy Award-winning journalist Cindy Hsu. As President and Founder of A Few Good MENtors, Inc. and Editor of G.R.O.W., I contacted Cindy to discuss the critical intersection of workplace stress, financial wellness, and mental health – topics that deeply affect our mentorship community.

Michael: Cindy, thank you for joining us as someone who's been at the forefront of mental health awareness reporting. Your recent work reveals some concerning statistics about workplace stress. Can you share what you've discovered?

Cindy: Michael, thank you for having me. What we're seeing is deeply concerning. The American Psychological Association found that 77% of workers experienced work-related stress in just one month last year. Even more telling is that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money. These numbers tell us we're facing a widespread challenge that needs immediate attention.

Michael: As someone who works with mentors and mentees daily, I've seen how stress can impact professional growth and development. In your research, how did experts describe the ripple effect of these stressors?

Cindy: Dr. Frank Anderson, a psychotherapist I interviewed, described it perfectly as a vicious cycle. When people are stressed about finances or home life, it inevitably spills into their workplace performance. They become more reactive and less focused, and their professional relationships suffer. What's particularly relevant to your mentorship work, Michael is how this can affect both career development and the ability to mentor others effectively.

Michael: That's a crucial point for our G.R.O.W. community. How are progressive workplaces responding to these challenges?

Cindy: I spoke with Dr. Jonathan Depierro from Mount Sinai, who emphasized something that aligns well with your organization's mission – workplaces must view employees as complete human beings, not just workers. Untreated anxiety, depression, and chronic stress don't just affect individual performance; they impact entire team dynamics and organizational culture. This is where mentorship programs like yours can make a real difference.

Michael: Financial stress affects many in our mentorship network. What insights did you gather about its unique impact?

Cindy: Financial therapist Aja Evans shared something powerful – money stress is truly universal. It doesn't matter if you're a C-suite executive or an entry-level employee; financial concerns can create significant anxiety. What's particularly troubling is the shame factor. People often suffer in silence, afraid to admit they're struggling, which prevents them from seeking help or mentorship.

Michael: This directly explains why we emphasize a comprehensive approach to mentorship at A Few Good MENtors. What solutions did experts recommend?

Cindy: They outlined several strategies that complement mentorship:

1. Incorporating nature breaks during the workday

2. Breaking the silence around financial struggles

3. Leveraging workplace resources effectively

4. Taking incremental steps toward financial wellness

5. Utilizing mental health support systems

Michael: As someone dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders, what final thoughts would you share with our G.R.O.W. readers about breaking these stigmas?

Cindy: Michael, the message that resonates most is that while change starts with individual action, no one should walk this path alone. Whether through mentorship programs like yours or professional support services, reaching out for guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Michael: Thank you, Cindy. What resources would you recommend for our mentorship community looking to learn more?

Cindy: The National Alliance On Mental Health (NAMI) offers excellent resources, and organizations like the Mount Sinai Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth provide valuable support. But I'd also emphasize that programs like A Few Good MENtors are crucial in providing the personal guidance and support that can make all the difference in someone's professional journey.

Our main sponsor, A Few Good MENtors, Inc., is lighting the way for the next generation, providing the mentorship and guidance young people need to confidently navigate their paths to success.

BRIDGE BUILDERS

Creating Your Support Network

As President of A Few Good MENtors, Inc., I've witnessed firsthand how building solid professional relationships can transform careers and lives. Today, let's explore practical ways to create and nurture your professional support network, especially during challenging times.

The Power of Professional Connections

Building Relationships with Leadership

Strong relationships with supervisors and leaders aren't built overnight, but here's how to start:

The 3C Approach:

1. Clear Communication

   • Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins

   • Be prepared with specific talking points

   • Share challenges AND potential solutions

2. Consistent Delivery

   • Follow through on commitments

   • Document progress and achievements

   • Maintain professional boundaries

3. Collaborative Mindset

   • Offer support to others

   • Share credit for team successes

   • Seek and provide constructive feedback

Creating Your Support Circle

Finding and Working with a Mentor

As someone dedicated to mentorship, I can't stress its importance enough. Here's how to make the most of mentoring relationships:

For Mentees:

• Be clear about your goals

• Come prepared to meetings

• Follow up on advice received

• Show appreciation for your mentor's time

• Share your progress and victories

For Mentors:

• Listen more than you speak

• Share both successes and failures

• Provide actionable feedback

• Celebrate mentee achievements

• Stay connected between formal meetings

Peer Support Networks

Sometimes, the best support comes from those walking the same path:

1. Internal Networks

   • Join or create employee resource groups

   • Participate in cross-departmental projects

   • Organize lunch-and-learn sessions

2. External Networks

   • Professional associations

   • Industry meetups (virtual or in-person)

   • Alumni networks

   • Online communities in your field

Professional Development Through Connection

The 4R Method for Network Building

• Reach Out: Make the first move to connect

• Respond: Be reliable in your communications

• Reciprocate: Offer help before asking for it

• Reconnect: Maintain relationships over time

Action Steps for This Week

1. Identify Your Circle

   • List current supporters

   • Note gaps in your network

   • Target specific relationships to develop

2. Schedule Connection Time

   • Book one coffee chat with a colleague

   • Attend one professional event

   • Reach out to one former connection

3. Give Back

   • Offer to mentor someone junior

   • Share your expertise in your field

   • Introduce two people who could benefit from knowing each other

Remember

Building a strong support network isn't just about advancing your career it's about creating a community that helps everyone. As we say at A Few Good MENtors, "Growth happens in community, not in isolation."

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Good News

Finding Community in Unexpected Places

The Power of the Third Place: A Path to Better Well-being

Written by Rebekah Brandes, featuring insights from Michael R. Morgan

In a world where headlines often highlight division and challenge, let's pause to celebrate a wonderfully simple yet profound concept making a difference in people's lives: the "third place."

Beyond Home and Office: A Community Discovery

Remember the theme song from "Cheers" – "where everybody knows your name"? There's science behind why that feeling of belonging matters so much. Research shows that finding your "third place" – a space that's neither home nor work – can significantly boost your mental health and sense of community.

What Makes a Third Place Special? Think of it as your home away from home (and work). These are spaces where:

• You can just be yourself

• Conversation flows naturally

• Cost isn't a barrier to entry

• Everyone is welcome

• There is no pressure to perform or produce

Success Stories from Our Community

Local Coffee Shop Becomes Mental Health Haven One of our mentors shares: "I started going to this little coffee shop just to get out of the house while working remotely. Two years later, I realize I've built this amazing community. The baristas know my name, I've met other regulars, and it's become my anchor through tough times. It's where I now meet my mentees – something about the casual setting makes conversations flow better."

Library Transforms Lives Sarah, a local school teacher, discovered: "After my local library started hosting community events, I spent more time there. It's not just about books anymore – it's where I met my study group, joined a book club, and even found my current mentor. The best part? It doesn't cost a thing."

The Science of Connection

Research reveals that third places offer multiple benefits:

1. Mental Health Boost: Reduces loneliness and increases self-esteem

2. Stress Relief: Provides escape from daily pressures

3. Community Building: Creates organic connections

4. Personal Growth: Offers chances to explore interests

Finding Your Third Place

Are you looking to establish your own third place? Consider these options:

• Local parks and green spaces

• Community centers

• Religious institutions

• Libraries

• Coffee shops

• Hobby groups

• Sports facilities

• Community gardens

Quick Tips for Third Place Success

1. Start small – visit once a week

2. Be a regular – consistency builds connection

3. Stay open to conversations

4. Respect the space and others

5. Let relationships develop naturally

The Ripple Effect

When we find our third place, we don't just help ourselves – we contribute to building stronger, more connected communities. One community member noted, "It's like creating little pockets of hope throughout the city."

Looking Forward

As we celebrate these spaces of connection and community, remember that every excellent mentor relationship or friendship might start with something as simple as becoming a regular at your local café or joining a community group.

Your Turn: Have you found your third place? Share your story with us – your experience might inspire others in our G.R.O.W. community to find their own special space of belonging.

WRAPPING UP and LOOKING AHEAD

As we close this week's exploration of workplace stress and the power of community, I want to thank you for being part of our journey of growth and transformation. Your engagement and commitment to personal and professional development continue to inspire our mission at A Few Good MENtors, Inc.

Mark Your Calendars!

🦃 Special Thanksgiving Edition - November 26

Get ready for a heartwarming edition of G.R.O.W.! We'll feature personal stories and reflections from our dedicated team members, mentors, and mentees at A Few Good MENtors. You'll hear firsthand accounts of gratitude, growth, and the transformative power of mentorship. This special issue promises to remind us why we're grateful for our incredible community.

💝 Giving Tuesday - December 3

Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving that follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This movement, created in 2012, has become a powerful force for positive change. Your support on Giving Tuesday helps A Few Good MENtors continue providing:

• Mentorship programs for emerging leaders

• Professional development workshops

• Community building initiatives

• Resources for mental health and wellness

• Support networks for professional growth

Your donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Stay tuned for details about our Giving Tuesday campaign!

🎯 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Reminder

Federal employees, remember you can support our mission through the Combined Federal Campaign! Use our CFC code 65125 to contribute to A Few Good MENtors. Your workplace giving helps us create a lasting impact in our communities.

Help Us Grow Our Impact

Share the Knowledge

Did you find value in today's newsletter? Share G.R.O.W. with your colleagues, friends, and professional network. Every share:

• Extends our reach to those who might need mentorship

• Builds stronger professional communities

• Creates opportunities for meaningful connections

• Supports our mission of guidance and growth

Support Our Sponsors

Our sponsors make our work possible! When you click through to their pages from our newsletter:

• You show them the value of supporting mentorship

• Please help us maintain our free programs

• Enable us to reach more people in need of guidance

• Strengthen our ability to create positive change

Stay Connected

• Follow us on LinkedIn

• Join our Facebook community

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel

• Visit our website

Remember, your engagement with G.R.O.W. and A Few Good MENtors creates positive change throughout our communities. Thank you for being part of this journey.

I am looking forward to connecting with you in our special Thanksgiving edition!

With gratitude,

Michael Morgan President/Founder, A Few Good MENtors, Inc. Editor, G.R.O.W. Newsletter

"Guidance Redefines Our Way"