Who did you need when you were younger?
Maybe in your childhood and youth you needed a more involved and attentive parent, a teacher who challenged and believed in you, or an influential peer who helped steer you in a better direction in high school.
Maybe in college you needed an advisor who saw you as more than just another student and another transcript. Maybe you needed a mentor who took the time to really listen and help guide you toward your future.
Maybe in your early career you needed a supervisor who recognized your potential and encouraged and stretched you. Maybe you needed a coworker who took you under his or her wing and taught you how to thrive in a new position or organization.
Maybe in your early marriage you needed a friend and confidant who offered sage wisdom and gentle reprimand instead of stoking the fire of your frustration and always agreeing with your perspective.
Maybe as a young parent you needed a more experienced parent who could tell you that you don’t have to be perfect, it does get better, and that parenting is really hard and that’s okay.
Maybe as a young boss you needed seasoned subordinates who respected you despite your youth and worked to help you succeed rather than waiting to watch you fail.
Who did you need when you were younger? Be that person for someone else. However old you are now, wherever you’re at in life, you can be a person someone younger needs in their life:
- An attentive parent who is involved in your child’s everyday life.
- A teacher who believes in and challenges your students.
- A friend who sets a positive example for your peers.
- An advisor or mentor who cares, listens, and invests in those who seek your advice.
- A supervisor who stretches and encourages those you lead.
- A coworker who welcomes and supports the new hire in your department.
- A confidant who gently offers honest and constructive criticism to your closest friends.
- A fellow parent who offers encouragement and hope to your friends who are struggling through the chaotic and demanding early years of their kids’ lives.
- A senior employee who chooses to respect and help a young boss to succeed.
Be the person you needed when you were younger. I guarantee, you won’t regret it!
