The Power of Investing in Young Leaders
By Steve Gahagen
The Gallup organization lists “mentoring” as one of the seven demands of leadership. Leaders bring about growth by mentoring others and being mentored. By mentoring, leaders create growth and development opportunities and multiply their influence. They build a legacy that lives on through others.
The central mission of a mentor is to impart knowledge, to be a model and encourager.
This summer, we hired an intern from South Dakota State University. Abby was thrown into the uncertainty of COVID-19 along with the change that took place three weeks into her internship when our young staff member, Abby’s supervisor, died unexpectedly. I love any opportunity we have to help young leaders thrive, stretch, and think differently. Abby couldn’t have had a more difficult internship. Here are a few of her comments about the mentoring experience:
“I had a very different internship experience from the one I initially expected to have this summer for a number of reasons. To say that my time at Play to Your Strengths was an “opportunity for growth” is an understatement. I don’t think any other organization could have given me better moments to become the leader, friend, employee, mentor, and student I am today. Three months seems like an insignificant amount of time, but only if you treat it as such. I worked to make the most of my time by putting myself out there and becoming a bit more vulnerable with those around me. Fantastic outcomes sprung from these actions, and I cannot imagine how different my life would be if I would not have accepted the internship position with Madie and Steve at Play to Your Strengths.
This summer solidified my passion and goal for working with students in the future. I always thought I wanted to be in an elementary school setting. Up until this summer, I had only ever worked with K-5th grade students. I am so glad I applied for an internship that involved working with teenagers. Never did I think that this group of students would leave such an impact on me. I’ve come to learn many of their quirks, dreams, senses of humor, and things they’re passionate about. Getting to see glimpses of success or growth (even the tiniest bit) in each of them has been so fun to track.
I see myself working as a school counselor, just as I did before my practicum, but I’m now hoping to work with teenagers instead of elementary aged children. I also see myself continuing to volunteer with Play to Your Strengths in the future. I would love to come back on winter break or next summer to Tuesday night CONNECT. Staying connected to my two mentees is also important to me. They shared some of their life goals and dreams with me. I want to be sure to encourage them throughout their high school careers.
This is a summer I don’t think I will ever forget. I was a part of an organization during a global pandemic and at a time where their amazing Youth Program Coordinator passed away at the age of 26. I walked through grief with students, volunteers, and staff. I got to hear and share memories, but also make new ones with students. I met parents and made close connections through the interviews I conducted. This summer practicum experience was meaningful, memorable, and magical in multiple ways.”
Questions to Consider:
Who are your mentors or who has had a profound influence on your life?
What did they do that had an impact on you?
Who are you currently mentoring?
What skills could you share with a young leader?