Choosing A Mentor

How do you choose a mentor? The first step is being clear about why you want a mentor and write it down. What do you want to learn? Are you looking to learn specific skills? What motivates you? Having a clear objective will help you find the most suitable mentor and will keep you focused on your goal. Remember, mentoring is a relationship, you get out of it what you put into it. Once you have decided to look for a mentor you must put time aside to dedicate yourself to the mentoring process.

Where do you start? Look for someone who can give you advice and inspire you to achieve your goals. This person may be working in the same organisation, in your network, even in online forums. Focus on people who you respect and have built rapport with. This person could be from a different generation or industry. When you have found the right person the next step is to approach them with clear and open communication. Explain why you would be a suitable mentee and why you believe you could work well together. Remember to respect their time. People who have the skill set to be great mentors are often very busy doing the very things that make them great mentors.

You need to meet on a regular basis and make sure it’s a convenient time and location. Be organised by having a list of questions ready, keep it short and remember to send a thank you note. Inform them of how their advice is making an impact on your goal. Your meetings could be online, on the phone or in person, either way, make the most of each meeting by being transparent. Transparency will help your mentor to understand what you need and how they can assist you in attaining your goals.

Mentoring is a two-way street, the mentor also has goals which they can fulfil through mentoring. Keep this in mind when you receive any feedback. The mentor can only go by what you tell them, so be sure to be clear about what you have found useful and what’s not working for you. It may be your approach that’s holding you back, rather than the advice you received. Flexibility is key. Some of the outcomes achieved may be different to your expectations, however, this is often an opportunity to move your goals into a different and better direction.

Take note of how the relationship is progressing. Do you feel comfortable with your mentor? Is there rapport between you? If not, you could have picked the wrong mentor. Or you could be misrepresenting your goals and needs. Or perhaps you have unrealistic expectations. Mentoring is an ongoing process, be patient, this is not a formal relationship – there is a degree of flexibility required. When seeking a mentor avoid using the term ‘mentor’. Instead, consider whether you can be completely open and honest. Has the mentor shown a real interest in you and what you are striving for? Does the mentor remember important facts and details you have previously mentioned? Do they understand your role and industry? Has their feedback contained actionable advice that is easily applied? Is their feedback specific enough for your needs? Look at the experience gap. If there is more than ten years of experience between you they may be too senior. Do they give you their undivided attention when you meet or do they seem distracted?

A mentor will be considering if they can be helpful based on your approach. They need to weigh up whether they can address your specific needs. The mentor will be looking at your level and depth of openness and honesty. Are you willing to share your vulnerabilities? Will you be proactive? Will you have prepared specific questions? Is meeting with you giving them a chance to learn more about themselves and their career? Do they feel that meeting with you is a good use of their time?

Consider asking your set of questions, outlined above, to the potential mentor. How do they respond? For example, what do you they know about your role or industry? These questions will show that you are prepared and serious about the potential relationship. Their response will help you to decide on the best possible candidate. Once you have found a few possible candidates, send them the mentor questions listed above so they can use it as gauge for them to consider the potential mentoring relationship. This shows you have certain expectations of the mentor and will weed out the ones that can’t invest in you. If you both answer all questions positively, then you have a a very strong indication of a potentially good and productive relationship.

At Picnic Point Toastmasters we use a similar process in our mentoring program. We match your needs with an experienced Toastmaster who will serve as a role model and support you through the stages of your Toastmasters journey. Picnic Point Toastmasters meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction” (John Crawford Crosby, American politician).

Mentoring – The Role Model

The role model has always played a part in society.  From Plato to Leonardo Da Vinci, Elizabeth Blackwell to Amelia Earhart, role models have served as examples of inspiration. What can we learn from roles models?  Primarily, confidence. A positive outlook coupled with confidence and calmness is a great model. Being happy and comfortable with who you are, yet striving to improve is something many aspire to.  Being true to yourself, not sacrificing your identity to fit in serves to remind us that we all have something positive to contribute.

Good communication skills, a sense of direction and consistency are common traits of the role model. Being humble, grateful and respectful to others and the ability to admit when you are wrong demonstrates a quiet strength that is not initially recognised as being a part of role modelling or mentoring.  Role models are simultaneously teachers and learners. They have attained great knowledge and skills and continue to challenge themselves.

If you are seeking a role model, consider people you know and admire. They can mentor and advise you to help you achieve your personal goals. The role model is someone who displays the characteristics and achievements you would like to attain.  A role model helps you to see what is possible and can motivate you to take on challenges you may not have considered. A sense of purpose is the driver that will ultimately lead you to your goal.  Take notice of what motivates the role model and how that makes you feel.  Look for role models that inspire and encourage you.

Take notice of how they behave with different people, how they handle difficult situations, whether they are reliable. How different are they to you? What aspects of their personality do you wish you had? What skills have they attained that you would like to possess?  Knowing what you want to achieve is the first step to selecting a role model.  

When you first put into practice some of the skills and behaviours that are not part and parcel of the current you will feel unnatural and uncomfortable.  But stick with it.  Choosing a role model who challenges your status quo will help you to see where your opportunities lie.

Remember to look at their successes and failures. How do they handle disappointment? What did they do to move forward? What could you take away from their lessons? Consider their beliefs and values. Do they line up with your beliefs and values? Learn from your role model and take what resonates with you – but make sure that you   adapt it and mold it to suit your purpose.  Maintain your individuality, whilst you take on the characteristics you admire in the role model.

If you are seeking a role model to help you with communication and leadership skills, then consider joining Picnic Point Toastmasters. Our mentoring program includes matching you with an experienced Toastmaster who will serve as a role model. Picnic Point Toastmasters meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.  

The Courageous Leader

What does it take to be a courageous leader? What does it mean to be courageous in the workplace? How can you recognise it and even emulate courageous leadership? It’s the everyday activities of a leader that demonstrates their courage. Take notice and you will witness that they speak up when no-one else is willing to, even if it means being judged by others. They don’t shy from giving critical feedback to management, even if it means suffering the consequences of an unfavourable outcome.

Courageous leaders know when to keep quiet and allow others to have their say. Even when they think they are right. They are humble when receiving critical feedback and willing to listen to those who disagree. A courageous leader develops others, knowing one day that person may prove to be smarter than they are. They mentor and coach when it’s not part of their job description, knowing that it will develop the best leaders of tomorrow.

A courageous leader is not afraid to disagree with popular decisions – often saying “Yes” when others are saying “No  or “No” when the general consensus is “Yes”. They accept responsibility for their actions and are willing to do the right thing when it is not a popular decision.  A courageous leader knows when to stay and fight for a good cause – even when others are walking away. They will keep going when the going gets really tough.  And will walk away when the fight isn’t worth it.

Other traits include reflecting deeply before taking action, sticking it out when they would rather quit, using their heart when making decisions and using their head when their emotions could get the better of them.  They will ask “what’s right?” rather than be critical and are curious rather than judgemental. They will step out of their comfort zone, despite how it makes them feel.

Courageous leaders respect their followers, even when they have been disappointed by them. They forgive others, and in particular, those who have learned an important lesson and strive to do better next time. They give credit where credit is due, listen to others without giving advice and ask when they really want to tell.  And they see potential in others when no-one else does. They are not afraid to explore outside of the box – even if the general consensus is “we have always done it this way”. A courageous leader will admit their failings, control their impulses and support others to minimise suffering.

To quote Nelson Mandela: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”.

There is a courageous leader in all of us and it starts with the first step towards our leadership goals.

Visit Picnic Point Toastmasters to learn more.  We meet at 7pm every 1st  and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.

The Inspirational Leader

Have you ever met an inspirational leader? What made them inspirational? Chances are it wasn’t being likeable or their level of experience. An inspirational leader is driven by their “why”. This sense of purpose is what inspires employees to achieve their best.  When staff believe in what their manager believes in it creates a sense of purpose. And purpose is a key factor in motivation. A leader’s “why” demonstrates clarity, vision and values. The inspirational leader is courageous, tolerant, authentic, humble and possesses a high level of of self-awareness.

The good news is that anyone can develop these attributes. To start with, future inspirational leaders must genuinely care for others, be inclusive and involve everyone in the group, show appreciation of others efforts, demonstrate trust, listen with an open mind and create a fun work environment.

Another consideration is to evaluate your peers and circle of friends. Do they inspire you? Do they encourage you to stretch outside your current boundaries? Are you an inspiration to others? Are you doing something with your life that deserves their admiration? Consider the clutter in your life that is holding you back. Are you reliving past resentments or regrets? Do you continue to engage with negative people? Time to let go and move on.

What’s your “why”? Are you living by default, rather than designing your vision?  Finding your purpose can be as simple as reading something that matters to you. Look to your past experiences, what have you learnt that can help others? What are you grateful for? Consider volunteering or donating money to a cause that you deeply care for. Appreciating others and finding substance in what others appreciate about you strengthens relationships, which are often a source of purpose. Finding or building a community can create a sense of belonging and help you discover or strengthen your purpose.

Take time out to reflect and be thankful for what you have. Mix up your daily routine, network to meet new people, relax, switch off from social media, your phone, laptop or ipod.  Reach out to people and be inspired by the real world. Exchange ideas, skills and cultures, volunteer or reconnect with nature. Be inspired so you can inspire others.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States.

Ready to become an inspirational leader?  Join us, Picnic Point Toastmasters.  We meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.  Inspiration is but a meeting away….

What’s Your Truth?

Do you have a message you would like to share with like-minded thinkers? Does the fear of public speaking stop you in your tracks? This kind of thinking stems from how you feel when faced with public speaking. The fear is based on feeling threatened, so your body responds with a kind of anxiety. This anxiety can be mild; you may feel a little tense, your heart may be racing or maybe you are breathing rapidly.

Where does this anxiousness come from? Most likely, the fact that you are standing on your own in front of an audience who may reject you. Yet, this fear is often unfounded. How can you overcome this fear of public speaking? Know your truth. What are you passionate about? Are you committed to your truth? Does your truth reflect your preferences? Take the time to consider your position. As individuals, we often forget who we are whilst we are busy living up to others expectations.

When you accept who you are it shows up as confidence, and this confidence is carried across when you present to others. Who are you? Let this person shine through your presentation. Focusing on your truth and speaking with passion naturally leads to an energised delivery which will engage your  audience. Whilst you remain focused on your delivering your message, you will be more insightful and will automatically use inclusive language. Why is this important? Inclusive language means you are using collaborative words which helps the audience engage with you. Your community-minded approach ensures that people are listening to and absorbing your message.

The first steps to knowing your truth and expressing it starts with you. Before you present, take the time to prepare your presentation, learn what you can about the audience, relax before the presentation, and above all, practice with passion and enthusiasm. Focus on the message and delivery. Once you are in front of that audience use your passion, share your best insights and use collaborative language.

To speak your truth is to live your truth. Living your truth is all about balance, respect, self-validation, being honest and knowing that your value is not dependent on others. When you speak your truth you won’t be bothered by negative thoughts regarding your credibility as a speaker or your lack of experience. Your confidence will grow with preparation and practice. Use a relaxation technique to get you into a calm state, give yourself plenty of time to prepare your presentation, focus on communicating your message and seek out opportunities to speak more often.

Ready to speak your truth? Consider visiting Picnic Point Toastmasters to learn about our proven system that teaches you the basics of public speaking and communication.  We meet at Club Picnic Point, 124 Lambeth St, Panania on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm.

Toastmasters Open House

Toastmasters is all about helping people overcome their fears of public speaking. The program is designed to allow each member to progress through the individualised program at his or her own pace. If you have never experienced a Toastmasters meeting then consider coming along to an open house meeting. There will be laughter, surprises and entertainment of the speaking variety!

What does it entail? An experienced speaker with an irresistible topic, a good explanation of Toastmasters, and an invitation to visit or join. This event is more than a special occasion….. it’s an experience!

When you arrive at a Toastmasters Open House you will be greeted warmly. The event will last anywhere between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the length of the regular meeting. It’s a fun, casual and relaxed event where guests can ask questions, meet members and get a feel for the club’s culture. The meeting opens with a brief introduction from the club president and then the meeting is turned over to the Toastmaster (Master of Ceremonies).

The experienced speaker will then present, and the audience is allowed time to critique the speaker, this is followed by a fun segment called “Table Topics” – similar to Trivia nights at your local club. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate in Table Topics. Finally, a few members give a short overview of their Toastmasters experience.

Then we get to party! Food and drink is provided as Toastmasters mingle with guests. Guests are presented with an information packet at the end of the event and invited to join up or visit the club if they need more information. Why not visit your local Toastmasters to find out more?

If you are keen to learn how Toastmasters can help you with you public speaking goals there’s no need to wait for an open house. And if you happen to be in our neck of the woods on a Tuesday evening we would be honoured to have you as our guest at Picnic Point Toastmasters.

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Picnic Point. Our house is always open…..

Communication Strategy

Do you have a communication strategy? Do you need one? A communication strategy is usually associated with business, but have you considered a personal communication strategy? Taking the time to develop a personal communication strategy will help you to get your message across more effectively. No doubt you have witnessed some communication faux pas in your time, perhaps you have been guilty of committing them…. Yet, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your words convey what you really mean.

Firstly, how clear is your objective? What are you trying to achieve? Are you looking to inform or persuade your audience? Are you expecting them to take some kind of action as a result of your message? Secondly, have you clearly identified who your audience is? This is crucial, as you need to tailor your message to suit the audience whilst ensuring that your objective remains intact.  Next, consider how you will express your communication. Will you be presenting in person, creating a blog, emailing, or posting on social media? What about a podcast, forum or YouTube?

Once you have decided on the objective, identified the target audience and settled on the form of communication your next step is to tailor the message in a way that is short and simple. If you have done your homework you will have an idea of your audience’s perspective. Take note of their response, this feedback will either confirm that you are on the right track or that you need to change your delivery. This exchange between you and your audience will enhance your understanding and provide you with the next steps. What can you learn from this experience? What would you do differently to improve the connection between you and your audience?

Reflecting on the delivery and audience reaction will give you insight into what you are doing well and where the opportunities lie. Could you have chosen better words? If there is any ambiguity in your message? What about the tone of your voice or writing? If there is room for interpretation then you may need to adjust your delivery. Sincerity is key. If there is any doubt in your audience’s mind you will lose their trust in you. People will care about you when you show them that you care about them. Don’t forget that communication is more than the words that come tumbling out of your mouth or keyboard.

When speaking in front of an audience you need to keep a check on your non-verbal cues, such as body language, gesturing, facial expressions, eye contact, arm and leg posture. These unconscious cues will inform your audience whether you are engaged with the topic and the audience or whether you are just going through the motions. And if you are addressing an audience of mixed cultures or travelling overseas be sure to familiarise yourself with what is acceptable and what may be considered disrespectful.

Lastly, be a good listener. Often, we are so eager to express ourselves that we don’t take the time to tune out the distractions and truly connect with our audience. Yet, this skill helps you build relationships, ensures you understand one another and resolves conflicts. Maintaining appropriate eye contact is the first step to good listening skills and take note of non-verbal cues. Be attentive, keep an open mind and concentrate on what the other person is saying. Don’t interrupt, wait for the speaker to pause before responding or asking clarifying questions. Use empathy to connect with the other person, this means you are allowing yourself to feel what the other person is feeling, taking your listening skills to another level. And remember to give regular feedback to reflect your understanding. For example, you might comment with “You seem very pleased with the outcome” or “What a terrible experience”. This type of feedback demonstrates that you are listening and are following their line of thinking.

If you are still unsure about developing a personal communication strategy and are looking for some guidance and a chance to practice in a supportive environment then consider speaking to us at Picnic Point Toastmasters. We meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.

How Mentoring Impacts Us

Have you ever thought that you could benefit from mentoring?  It’s probably not the first thing to pop into your mind until a particular situation arises, like “What do I need to do to progress my career?”.  We often look to our managers or friends for advice and guidance but have you thought to look to someone else in your circle?  Or perhaps you need to look elsewhere?  How can you decide? Start with a clear idea of what you want to focus on. Often we receive feedback at work through regular appraisals.  Consider the areas highlighted for improvement as a good place to start.

Once you have decided on what you want to focus on look for someone who has the same experience you are looking for. The mentor can provide you with information, stimulate ideas and provide you with opportunities to experience first hand what is required to move forward. A mentor will guide you in other areas you had not considered as they will see opportunities for improvement that you will not be aware of.

The mentor will help you to create a “better you” through probing questions, some which may require you to go away and think about how you could answer these questions in line with your goal.  A good mentor will set you various tasks or goals to stretch you and see how you go about tackling them. These opportunities to will teach you a lot about who you are and how you like to develop. It also helps the mentor to learn about what works for you and what doesn’t.  This helps the mentor decide on what the next project should entail to move you towards achieving your goal.

Other benefits include working on your values, leadership skills and character.  The mentor will encourage and guide you through the toughest assignments and help you to achieve more than you could imagine.  This often requires a kind of tough love to help instil the right habits and eventually create the self-discipline and self-motivation you need to prioritise your tasks and realise your goals. Your mentor is someone who you can discuss ideas with, receive honest feedback and make sounds decisions with.  They are your trusted advisor and often can connect you to other parties to help you progress.

Their knowledge and experience can teach you the mistakes to avoid, and often, the quickest route to achieving your desired outcome.  Although a mentor work for free, their guidance is priceless.  Show them the respect they deserve by checking in with your mentor from time to time.  Let them know how you are progressing, show them that you appreciate their time and support. It’s up to you to build a relationship with your mentor.

The lifespan of skills have shortened over the years, now more than ever we need mentors to help us move forward in our careers. How does mentoring impact us? It impacts us in positive ways by building a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be next. In the words of Lailah Gifty Akita: “Every great achiever is inspired by a great mentor”.

Ready to move move forward with your career aspirations?  Become a  member of Picnic Point Toastmasters. Your appointed mentor will guide and support you through the Toastmasters program, improving your leadership and communication skills. The Toastmasters program offers a self-paced mentoring program that will take you from mentee to mentor.  So what are you waiting for? Picnic Point Toastmasters meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.

Long Term Leadership Lessons

What does it take to ensure leadership longevity? In some businesses, like IBM, a culture of boldness has secured their spot at the top of the leadership rung. During the 1929 Great Depression Thomas J. Watson Sr was at the helm and  announced that he had  appointed an advisory board of executives to focus primarily on the future. “We are going into the future, and we are not going to wait until some other company gets ahead of us,” he said. “There are greater prospects for our machines in the future than any of you have dreamed of.”

He bet that IBM could beat the Depression by being aggressive. He kept his factories running, didn’t lay off people and increased spending on product development. Despite the company almost going bust, his bold strategy paid off. In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. Because IBM had been building, improving and warehousing its tabulating machines, it was far ahead of any competitor. And IBM won the government contract. His son, Thomas J. Watson Jr., inherited his father’s boldness and in the early 1960’s he decided to totally revamp the company’s technology and the way it was organised.  He made obsolete the company’s entire product line and fortunately for IBM and its shareholders, his bet paid off. IBM became a dominant force in the computer industry for decades to come.

What makes this company so successful? Leadership characteristics that support  longevity, including, modesty and a determination to constantly transform. Former CEO Sam Palmisano stated that : “You have to be willing to change your core, and you have to be ahead of the shift.” Like his predecessors he  has played a leading role in rebuilding IBM and taking bold steps to secure the company’s future. IBM is led by people who are hugely ambitious, willing to take risks and absolutely relentless in their pursuit of their business goals. From it’s humble beginnings IBM has pioneered the leadership model that’s required for an organisation to last 100 years.

How can we emulate IBM’s success?  Firstly, we need to have a strong belief in ourselves and we need to develop the following 5 skills:

1. Be approachable and show your human side
2. Be a team player
3. Inspire commitment and motivation
4. Be self-aware
5. Help others find meaning in their work

Are you ready to invest in your long term leadership goals? Then come and visit us at Picnic Point Toastmasters. We meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.

Sources of Inspiration

Sources of inspiration can be found all around us. Consider people, like Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci and Aristotle or places like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Lake Hillier in Western Australia or Machu Picchu in Peru. We are inspired by music, art, poetry, films, speeches…. Why? Often, these sources of inspiration reflect our personal motto which are influenced by our beliefs and values and can help us achieve our goals.

How do we find inspiration within ourselves? How can we foster it in others? We can start with our personal motto. Your perspective on life is reflected in your personal motto, and this can help you achieve your goals.  Creating a life which fulfils you can lead to personal success and happiness. When we feel inspired we feel motivated to follow through, making choices that help you to attain your long-held dreams.

Inspirational quotes like “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” by Confucius or “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear” by Nelson Mandela remind us that inspiration is the most important leadership trait. Inspiration is the internal passion that fills us with purpose, drives our determination to succeed and infuses us with energy to continue, no matter how difficult the situation.

Why is the ability to be inspiring so important? Because this is the trait of influence. How can you influence others? By using a number of strategies that the most effective leaders use. These include having a clear vision, clear mission, and clear values. Creating achievable goals that stretch you and your team., working collaboratively, encouraging self-development, acting with integrity, using open communication, listening to and acknowledging others.

Inspiration is the first step towards change. Believing something is possible can be the catalyst that propels someone towards their goal. Your stories, ideas and visions could contain the solution to overcome some obstacles or plant the seed for a new product or service.  How can you be an inspiration to others?  By taking the first step towards your goal and setting the example.

At Picnic Point Toastmasters we are inspired to help you achieve your communication and leadership skills in our warm, friendly and supportive environment.  We meet at 7pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Club Picnic Point – 124 Lambeth Street, Panania.