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Traits of Great Leaders and Mentors
Submitted by
Sandy Chandler, CPP, LPC
Regional
Director, Asset Protection
Rite Aid Corporation
With the holidays fast approaching (Q-4 sales and shrink
potential) I think now is the best time to reflect and
give thanks.
When I look at my career progression and what I have
learned throughout the years, my hope is that I have
taken on some of the traits of my great mentors and
leaders.
Below are a few traits that come to mind when thinking
about who has really contributed to my personal growth
and development over the years.
Great Leaders and Mentors:
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Ask the
right questions.
Mentors show you how to get results by asking
the right questions and gaining insight on the
current challenges. |
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Listen.
Great
mentors do more listening vs. talking. They have
conversations with everyone they come in contact
with. One of my best mentors will talk out loud
about a situation, offering solutions and steps
for follow-up. He also asks others for input so
other team members can learn, and we provide the
best solutions possible. |
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Care.
Great mentors want to know all about you.
Expressing general interest in your well-being. |
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Are
humble.
Great mentors do not have to celebrate their
successes; they have earned the respect and
recognition over the years through doing the
right thing. |
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Have
un-ending energy and passion.
Great mentors
have energy and a passion for their job. They
love what they do, and their passion inspires
others to do the same. |
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Are industry experts.
Great leaders and mentors contribute to the
well-being of the industry. |
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Admit their mistakes and let others make some as
well.
Great leaders admit their mistakes which in turn
builds our trust, which helps others learn. |
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Recognize others.
Great leaders recognize others through positive
reinforcement, and do it often. |
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Lead by example.
Leaders love to learn and share their knowledge
with others. |
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Are great communicators.
Great leaders communicate their clear focus and
vision regularly, so there is never one doubt
about where we are, where we need to be, where
we are going, and what we want to accomplish. |
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Embrace change.
Great leaders embrace new initiatives and
execute. |
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Mentor others.
Great leaders inspire their team members to be
the best, and challenge us to learn and improve. |
This thought challenge is dedicated to all of those
great leaders and mentors out there (you know who you
are) who continue to help us on our career paths.
I choose to take on these traits, because I see the
positive results and how we can all make a difference in
the lives of others. I challenge myself to be better.
Who inspires you? Have you thanked them lately for all
that they do for you?
Just a thought |
