Thirty years ago tomorrow, I joined a large, local San Diego enterprise, one referred to internally as “the company.” While that was the start of many interesting days, one in particular will forever stand out. It happened to be July 23, 1982. A colleague in Public Relations was being awarded a pin for 5 years of service. As I was leaving the event, I quipped to the person behind me, “It’s my anniversary, too. I wonder what I get for being here 3 years?”
“Lunch with a vice president?” was his humored response. That day I found my mentor, a relationship that would endure for 26 years and end only with his passing last year.
What is a mentor? It’s someone, usually older and more experienced who helps and guides another individual’s development. The original Mentor was a character in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. When Odysseus, King of Ithaca went to fight in the Trojan War, he entrusted the care of his kingdom and the teaching of his son to Mentor.
While most of us are not going off to battle as Odysseus did, one of the most valuable assets of any career – or life – is a good mentor.
From mine, I learned many lessons. These were the days when “the company” was unpopular and was being scrutinized from all angles, and by many critics, especially the press. “Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel” was his wise counsel.
How to handle a customer who has a legitimate beef about the service he or she has received? “Start the response with ‘You’re right. We made a mistake.’ Then ask what we can do to make the situation better.”
And, what to say to someone whose opinion differs radically from mine? A simple “Isn’t that interesting” is often sufficient.
Such observations and reflections, offered for more than two decades, helped to shape and mold me in ways I am still discovering.
RIP, my friend… and thanks!
