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Guidance Redefines Our Way
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January 7, 2025 | Issue #66
When we launched G.R.O.W., we chose our name with a purpose: Guidance Redefines Our Way. This simple truth has driven every issue we've published, shared story, and connection we've helped develop.
Welcome to 2025 and the next evolution of G.R.O.W.!
As you explore this issue, you'll notice we've reimagined our newsletter to better serve your professional and personal journey. This transformation goes beyond aesthetics – creating a more dynamic, engaging platform for our community to learn, share, and grow.
Over our first 65 issues, we've witnessed remarkable breakthroughs, celebrated inspiring successes, and built a community that believes in the power of mentorship. Now, we're elevating that experience. Each section has been carefully crafted to provide actionable insights, real-world wisdom, and opportunities for meaningful connection.
This January holds special significance as National Mentoring Month, and we're kicking off 2025 with a renewed commitment to your growth. Whether you're a longtime reader or just joining us, you're part of a community that believes in the transformative power of guidance and continuous learning.
Your growth journey is our mission. Let's make 2025 the year where possibility meets opportunity, goals transform into achievements, and guidance lights the way forward.
Here's to your success,
Michael R.Morgan, CEO/Founder, A Few Good MENtors and Editor-in-Chief, G.R.O.W. Newsletter
Feature Story
The Science of New Beginnings: Why 2025 Can Be Different
The first week of January often feels like standing at the threshold of possibility. But you're not alone if you've ever made a New Year's resolution only to see it fade by February. The good news? Science shows that this fresh start can be different – if you understand the psychology behind successful transformations.
The Fresh Start Effect: More Than Just Feeling
Dr. Katherine Milkman of the Wharton School discovered something fascinating about new beginnings. Her research revealed that temporal landmarks – like the start of a new year, month, or even week – don't just feel special. They trigger what she calls the "fresh start effect," a measurable increase in motivational behavior.
"These moments create a clean slate in our minds," explains Dr. Milkman. "They help us mentally separate our past self from our present self, making it easier to believe in our potential for change."
Why Most New Year's Goals Fail (And How to Make Yours Different)
The statistics might seem discouraging: 80% of New Year's resolutions typically fade by February. But here's what's different about the 20% who succeed:
They Use Systems, Not Just Goals Instead of saying, "I want to be a better leader," successful professionals create weekly mentorship check-ins, join leadership forums, and schedule regular feedback sessions.
They Understand Their 'Why' Larry Duke, AFGM Board Member, and seasoned mentor, reflects: "It's been my privilege to serve and witness transformations in our mentees. Everything else aligns when people understand their deeper purpose. The greatest success comes not from chasing titles, but from the commitment to impact others positively."
They Leverage Community Research shows that people with structured support systems are 65% more likely to achieve their professional goals. This is why AFGM's mentorship programs have demonstrated consistent success rates above industry averages.
Your Science-Backed Success Blueprint
Here's your research-supported framework for making 2025 transformative:
1. Strategic Goal Setting
Write your goals on Sunday evening (research shows this timing increases follow-through by 35%)
Break each goal into 90-day sprints
Create weekly accountability check-ins
2. Environment Design
Identify and remove friction points
Set up success triggers in your daily routine
Create visual reminders of your goals
3. Progress Tracking
Document weekly wins, no matter how small
Share progress with your mentor or accountability partner
Review and adjust strategies monthly
Making It Real: Your Next Steps
This Week:
Complete the "2025 Vision Blueprint" worksheet - email [email protected] for your copy
Join our January 18th "Leading Teams by Understanding Personalities" workshop. Register here: https://afgmentoring.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/leading-teams-by-understanding-personalities
Connect with a potential accountability partner
This Month:
Sign up to volunteer or become a mentor with AFGM
Schedule a professional goals discussion with CEO/Founder Michael R. Morgan
Join our new nonprofit peer support group (launching soon)
A Personal Note on Transformation
LTC (Ret) Terrance Sanders, Ph.D., Founder of A Father's Legacy, Inc. in Fredericksburg, Virginia, embodies this principle of purposeful growth. "2024 taught me that growth isn't about dramatic changes. It's about small, consistent steps supported by people who believe in your potential." Through his work supporting young fathers in their fatherhood journey since 2023, Sanders demonstrates how mentorship creates lasting impact through steady, intentional guidance.
As you stand at the beginning of 2025, remember that you're not just starting a new year. You're continuing a journey of growth backed by science, supported by community, and empowered by proven strategies.
Ready to make this year different? Your first step begins now.
Join our "New Year, New Impact" challenge starting January 8th. Details in the Events section below.
Professional Growth Gateway
Forget what you think you know about "must-have" professional skills. While everyone's talking about AI and digital transformation, our conversations with Fortune 500 executives, emerging leaders, and successful entrepreneurs reveal a surprising truth: the most valuable skills in 2025 aren't what you might expect.
The Paradox of Modern Leadership
In a world obsessed with technical capabilities, the most successful professionals are mastering what we call "invisible skills" – abilities that don't appear on resumes but determine who thrives and who merely survives.
Intellectual Humility
Why it matters: In an era of rapid change, admitting "I don't know, but I'm willing to learn" has become a superpower
How to develop it: Start each project by identifying three things you need to learn from others
Success marker: Your team freely shares mistakes as learning opportunities
Strategic Optimism
The difference: Not blind positivity, but the ability to find actionable opportunities in every challenge
Real example: How one leader turned a budget cut into an innovation catalyst
Development tip: Practice the "Three Perspectives" technique - find opportunities in your current biggest challenge
Complexity Navigation
Key ability: Making clear decisions with incomplete information
Warning sign: If you're waiting for "all the data," you're already behind
Growth strategy: Start with small decisions and build to bigger ones
Cultural Fluency
Beyond diversity: Understanding and leveraging different thinking styles
Critical skill: Adapting your communication to different audiences
Practice tool: The "Translation Exercise" - explain your project to five different stakeholders
Recovery Resilience
New understanding: It's not about avoiding failure but bouncing back faster
Key metric: Your "recovery time" from setbacks
Development focus: Building your professional support network before you need it
The 2025 Opportunity Matrix
We've created a simple tool to help you evaluate where you stand on these critical skills:
Rate yourself (1-5) on each dimension:
Learning Agility: How quickly do you adapt to new information?
Perspective Shifting: Can you easily see other viewpoints?
Decision Clarity: How confident are you with ambiguous choices?
Cultural Navigation: How effectively do you work across differences?
Resilience Speed: How quickly do you recover from setbacks?
Your Growth Action Plan
Immediate Actions (Next 7 Days):
Schedule your skills assessment with AFGM
Identify your primary growth area
Connect with a mentor who excels in your target skill
30-Day Challenge:
Pick one hidden skill to master
Practice it intentionally every day
Document your progress
Share your journey with our community
The Reality Check
Here's the truth: technical skills may get you in the door, but these hidden skills determine how far you'll go. As one of our mentors recently observed, "I've never seen someone fail because they lacked technical knowledge. It's almost always about these invisible abilities."
Your Next Step
Ready to develop these critical skills? Join our upcoming workshop on January 18th, "Leading Teams by Understanding Personalities," where we'll dive deep into practical applications of these hidden skills.
"In 2025, your success won't be determined by what you know, but by how quickly you can learn, adapt, and help others do the same."
Community Resources
Download our Hidden Skills Assessment Tool (email [email protected])
Join our Skill Development Circle
Schedule a personal growth strategy session
Remember: The best time to develop these skills was yesterday. The next best time is today.
Special Offer: The first 25 readers to sign up for our January 18th workshop will receive a complimentary one-on-one coaching session focused on their chosen hidden skill.
Success Spotlight
Leadership Lessons from Ursula Burns: Breaking Barriers Through Mentorship
Editor's Note: While this profile draws from public sources rather than a direct interview, we believe Burns' journey offers valuable insights for our community.
From a housing project in New York City to becoming the first Black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Ursula Burns' story isn't just about breaking barriers – it's a masterclass in the transformative power of mentorship and resilience. As the former CEO of Xerox, her influence extends far beyond corporate leadership. Burns has been consistently recognized by Forbes as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world, ranking 29th in 2015. Her technological leadership was further acknowledged in 2018 when she was named among "America's Top 50 Women In Tech". These accolades underscore her personal achievements and her role in paving the way for future leaders.
The Power of Being Seen
"I was taught by my mother that there was nothing I couldn't do, but society kept saying there was," Burns has often reflected. This tension between possibility and perception shaped her approach to receiving and giving mentorship. Rising through the ranks at Xerox, Burns benefited from senior leaders who saw her potential, particularly former CEO David Kearns, who challenged conventional corporate culture by promoting talented individuals regardless of background.
Key Leadership Principles We Can Learn
Drawing from Burns' public speeches and interviews, here are three principles that resonate deeply with AFGM's mission:
Authentic Leadership Matters: "I say to people all the time, 'Don't leave your personality at home.' Bring yourself – your full self – to work." Burns' emphasis on authenticity reminds us that effective leadership starts with being true to who you are.
Mentorship is a Two-Way Street. "The best mentoring relationships are where both parties learn and grow." Burns has consistently emphasized that mentors often gain as much as they give, a philosophy we champion at AFGM.
Success Demands Courage "Where others see problems, I was taught to see opportunities." This mindset, instilled by her mother and reinforced by mentors, powered her journey from intern to CEO.
The Mentorship Multiplier Effect
What makes Burns' story particularly relevant for our community is her commitment to expanding opportunities for others. As she rose through corporate ranks, she didn't just break the ceiling – she installed elevators for others to follow.
Her approach to mentorship includes:
Creating formal and informal pathways for talent development
Challenging mentees to step outside their comfort zones
Emphasizing the importance of building diverse networks
Encouraging mentees to become mentors themselves
Applying These Lessons
As we begin 2025, Burns' journey offers valuable guidance for both mentors and mentees in our community:
For Mentees:
Seek mentors who challenge your limitations
Bring your authentic self to every interaction
View obstacles as opportunities for growth
For Mentors:
Look for potential where others might not
Create opportunities for meaningful stretch assignments
Share not just successes but lessons from failures
The AFGM Connection
While we haven't had the privilege of working directly with Ursula Burns, her leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with AFGM's mission. Her emphasis on authentic leadership, reciprocal mentorship, and creating opportunities for others mirrors the principles we strive to instill in our community.
Sources: This profile draws from Burns' memoir "Where You Are Is Not Who You Are," her speeches at various leadership forums, and interviews with major business publications.
Your Turn: What leadership lesson from Ursula Burns resonates most with your journey? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected] or join our upcoming "Leading Teams by Understanding Personalities" workshop on January 18th to discuss how these principles can be applied in your leadership journey.
Community Corner
Launching Our 2025 Mentor Journey: New Mentor Training Course (NMTC 25-01)
The Need is Critical: According to MENTOR National, 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a mentor. This gap is particularly severe for young males – research shows that only 37% of young men have access to positive male role models outside their immediate family. Your decision to become a mentor doesn't just change one life; it helps bridge this crucial gap in our community.
Are you ready to transform lives through mentorship? Our first New Mentor Training Course of 2025 is your gateway to joining AFGM's impactful community of mentors.
Mark Your Calendar
Date: February 22, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST Format: Virtual Interactive Session
Why This Training Matters
At AFGM, mentorship isn't just about sharing experience – it's about creating lasting impact through proven methods. NMTC 25-01 is your foundation for excellence in mentorship, designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed to make a real difference in someone's professional journey.
What You'll Receive
Comprehensive Training: Learn the AFGM approach to transformative mentorship
DISC Assessment Profile: Understand your mentoring style ($200 value - included free)
Interactive Learning: Engage in real-world scenarios and practical exercises
Community Connection: Network with fellow mentors and AFGM leadership
What to Expect
Dynamic virtual sessions
Hands-on mentoring practice
Real-time feedback and guidance
Strategies for effective mentor-mentee relationships
Important Note
This training is mandatory for all new AFGM mentors, serving as your foundation for creating a meaningful impact in our community. Your participation ensures we maintain the high standards of mentorship that define AFGM.
Ready to Begin Your Mentor Journey?
Register Now: Limited spots available for NMTC 25-01
Pre-Work: Complete your DISC assessment before the session
Prepare: Watch for our pre-training materials in your inbox
Next Steps
Apply to become a mentor: https://afgmentoring.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/mentor-volunteer-form
After approval, you'll receive registration details for NMTC 25-01
Complete pre-work and prepare for your mentorship journey
"The AFGM way of mentoring isn't just about guidance – it's about transformation. Join us in making 2025 a year of impact. One mentor can change countless lives."
Registration Deadline: February 15, 2025 Questions? Contact our team at [email protected]
Tech & Tools
Q1 2025 Professional Development Resources
Editor's Note: Our newsletter's Tech & Tools section appears quarterly. While we strive to highlight useful resources, AFGM does not guarantee or fully endorse any products mentioned. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before using any tools.
Professional Development Platforms Making Waves in 2025
As we kick off the new year, here are some emerging tools that caught our attention for their potential to enhance professional growth and mentoring relationships:
1. MentorCircle Pro
What It Does: AI-powered mentorship matching and relationship management. Standout Features:
Goal tracking analytics
Meeting agenda templates
Progress measurement tools
Resource sharing platform
2. SkillStack
What It Does: Personalized learning path creation Notable Elements:
Skill gap analysis
Custom learning tracks
Integration with major certification platforms
Progress tracking dashboard
3. FeedbackLoop
What It Does: Real-time professional development feedback. Key Features:
360-degree feedback tools
Development planning
Progress visualization
Goal alignment tracking
Free Alternatives Worth Considering
We understand that not everyone has a budget for premium tools. Here are some free options that offer solid functionality:
Google Calendar + Docs
Create structured meeting agendas
Track progress and goals
Share resources efficiently
LinkedIn Learning
Free month trial
Extensive professional development library
Certification options
Trello (Free Version)
Goal tracking
Project management
Collaboration features
Looking Ahead
Our next Tech & Tools section will appear in our April 2025 issue, focusing on networking and relationship-building platforms. Have a tool you'd like us to consider featuring? Email your suggestions to [email protected].
Remember: The best tool is the one you'll actually use. Start with one that aligns with your specific needs and growth goals.
Pro Tip: Many of these platforms offer free trials. Consider testing them during your first month of mentor-mentee relationship to find what works best for your mentoring style.
Watch for our next Tech & Tools feature in Q2 2025!
Monthly Resource Roundup
Essential Learning Resources for January 2025
📚 Book of the Month
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear Transform Your Life Through Tiny Changes
Why we recommend it: As we begin 2025, Clear's practical approach to habit formation and professional growth couldn't be more relevant. His four-step model for building better habits aligns perfectly with our continuous improvement and mentorship mission. The book offers actionable strategies that both mentors and mentees can implement immediately.
Key Takeaways:
How to build systems that lead to success
Making time for what matters most
Creating lasting behavioral change
Breaking down large goals into manageable steps
🎧 Featured Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast Practical Wisdom for Real Life
Why we love it: Mel Robbins brings a refreshing combination of science-backed strategies and real-world applications. Her no-nonsense personal and professional development approach resonates with our commitment to actionable growth.
Must-Listen Episodes:
"The Secret to Staying Motivated"
"How to Build Unshakeable Confidence"
"Turning Professional Goals into Reality"
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
🎁 Special Offer: 2025 Professional Growth Planner
Transform Your Year with Purposeful Planning
Want our comprehensive 2025 Professional Growth Planner? Here's how to get it:
Forward this newsletter to a friend
Have them subscribe to G.R.O.W.
Once they mention your name during the subscription, we'll send your planner immediately!
What's Inside the Planner:
Goal-setting frameworks
Monthly reflection prompts
Progress tracking tools
Mentorship journey mapping
Action plan templates
Value: $97 - Yours FREE when you help grow our community!
Resource Roundup appears in the first issue of each month. Do you have a resource to recommend? Please email us at [email protected]
Closing Thoughts
Looking Ahead: Your Journey Continues
As we wrap up our first issue of 2025, we're energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. This new format isn't just about a fresh look – it's about creating more meaningful ways to support your growth journey.
Your engagement and feedback have always been the driving force behind G.R.O.W.'s evolution. We'd love to hear your thoughts on our enhanced newsletter format. Drop us a line at [email protected] with your feedback.
Coming Next Week: "Building Generational Wealth: Start Where You Are"
In our January 14th issue, we'll explore financial wellness across generations. Whether you're just starting your career or guiding others toward financial success, you won't want to miss:
Practical strategies for building generational wealth
Expert insights on youth financial literacy
Tools for having meaningful money conversations
Success stories from financial mentors
Remember, your growth journey is our mission. We're honored to be part of your development story.
Keep Growing,
Michael R. Morgan Founder & CEO, AFGM Editor-in-Chief, G.R.O.W. Newsletter
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb
📋 Quick Reminders:
Register for "Leading Teams by Understanding Personalities" - January 18th
Apply for NMTC 25-01 by February 15th
Forward this newsletter to claim your free Professional Growth Planner
See you next Tuesday!