One of the biggest myths out there is that of a ‘self made man/woman.’ Everyone is mentored or influenced by at least one person. While that influence may not be face to face, it can come through books, seminars, conferences, blog posts, etc. If there is no one in your life mentoring you, there needs to be.
A great story about mentorship comes out of 1 Kings 12. Rehoboam has just become king and is wondering how he should lead. Solomon, the prior king, put a ‘heavy yoke’ on the people and Rehoboam is wondering if he should do the same or change up his approach. So Rehoboam wisely consults his elders. They advise him to ‘be a servant to the people’ (v. 7). This was good advice. However, verse 8 is problematic – “But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him…” Rather than listening to those who were wiser than he, Rehoboam rejected their advice. Even worse, Rehoboam then went to his childhood friends (who had no clue what they were talking about) and asked them for advice. Their advice? Make the yoke even heavier from what Solomon prescribed. They even insinuated that Rehoboam should make Solomon look like a wuss compared to what he’s going to do. What happened? The kingdom rebelled and Rehoboam was literally running for his life at one point. Not exactly an ideal way to begin your reign as king.
In our lives, there are times when we need advice. In fact, leadership demands that we ask for advice and seek council. Every day as a leader is a new day. You face new challenges, new scenarios, and even new people. Through these times we will need to keep learning and keep growing. Find a mentor in your life that you can call regularly for advice. I have one that I talk to regularly who gives me great insights and challenges me as a leader.
Who’s mentoring you?
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