You Don’t Always Need a Mentor
By: Kit Campoy
Tags: Theleadershipcollective, Team Building, Mentor, Leadership, Management

You Don’t Always Need a Mentor

photo credit: Rustem Baltiyev on Unsplash

On a cold winter evening, a few years back some friends and I gathered together for some great food and wine at our friend’s cozy home. Little girls ran through the house, filling it with laughter, and we stood around the kitchen counter. The back door was open to the patio and candles sat on the dining room table. We were talking about our lives, jobs, and our career paths.

“Why am I always the one giving advice? Where is my mentor?” A friend asked as she poured more wine for someone else.

“Maybe because that is your purpose. Maybe you were put here to be a catalyst for other people. Show them their strengths and encourage them. No”? The host proposed.

I’m pretty sure everyone stopped what they were doing and the room went silent. We all turned and looked at him. We had never thought in these terms before. It was a total and utter mind shift. I still think about that. It has become the reason that I am still a Store Manager now.

I graduated college with a four-year degree in Merchandising and a minor in Public Relations. As I set foot into the working world I wanted nothing to do with management. I envisioned myself as a visual merchandiser creating displays or a stylist on a photo shoot somewhere exciting. As I started to apply for jobs I avoided management at all costs.

After about a year in the workforce, I got a job as a key holder at a cute little clothing store. I began to take on management responsibilities and I started to really like it. Initially, I loved the operational aspect of it. I liked knowing how things worked, how to fix problems, and knowing who to call to get things resolved. I didn’t know where this would lead me but I continued to follow this path.

I moved to a new city. I got another job in retail and began to work my way up through management. I devoured the information and wanted to take on more responsibilities. What next? I would always ask my managers. What else can I learn? They obliged, giving me plenty to do and I soon found myself in a Store Manager position.

With about thirteen years as a Store Manager on my resume and twenty-plus years in retail, I can tell you this…your title is unimportant. It’s how you treat people that’s important. It’s why you do what you do.

Those of you that follow Simon Sinek may recall him saying that, “anyone can be a leader, regardless of rank”. If people come to you for advice or to put things in perspective then you are a leader. If you are sought out as a person of reason in difficult times, then you are a leader. It takes courage to be a leader. To go first. To put the well-being of your team before your own.

Why do you show up everyday? To get recognized? For the spotlight? For glory? To get a better title? Then you are in the wrong business my friend. Retail is relentless. Every day more gets added to your plate and there are very few congratulations to go around. But I am not here for a spotlight or for congratulations. I am here for the team I lead. I am here to lift them up, to teach them, and to be their partner every day no matter what comes our way. I am here as an infinite-minded leader with the interest of the entire team on my mind.

My best days as a Store Manager have come from watching others succeed. If I can help someone meet a goal of theirs or get promoted, that is a good day and I have done my job well.

Perhaps if you stop looking for your mentor you may find a mind shift. Help the person next to you achieve and you may find your purpose as well.