Having a mentor at work has many benefits. So much so that the American Society for Training and Development found that 75% of executives say mentoring has made a huge impact on their career.
To be honest, I’ve had quite the writer’s block this week. After The Most Inclusive HR Influencer List ™ launched last week, I’ve been almost numb. Just viewing the results, connecting, commenting, additional nominating, sharing.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s great. I absolutely love seeing people connecting on Twitter, LinkedIn, and more specifically because of The List. I also love that some of the folks who are new to the whole Influencer thing are starting to reach out to say, “alright so what now.”
Last night, though, I was inspired by someone I consider a professional mentor. I admire her admire so much because she’s authentic, hardworking, fearless, and successful. That person was Laurie Ruettimann.
If you don’t know Laurie, she’s one of the best friends you could possibly have. I’m starting with that because I value friendship as a measure of success. In addition to being a great friend, she the author of LaurieRuettimann.com and of the Let’s Fix Work book and a podcaster at Let’s Fix Work. She also speaks, consults, and more. She’s also the Founder and CEO of GlitchPath. In addition to all of that, is she still takes the time to both publicly and privately support you. She has your back even when you don’t know you need someone watching your back. She’s the person that delivers the spoonful of reality and honesty when you need it, and she does so out of love.
So thanks, Laurie, for doing everything you do to support everyone around you, for raising issues that need to be talked about no matter the cost, for making things work and look so easy (even when everyone knows they aren’t). Also, thank you for your little messages of support, direction, and introductions.
If you’re not already connected to Laurie, please get to know her. She on Twitter at @lruettimann and on LinkedIn. You can (and should) read her blog and listen to her podcast. And, if you’re an HR vendor, hire her to speak, consult, write, or podcast for you. She’ll never let you down.
Even more, I’m so fortunate to have so many professional mentors including Sarah Brennan, Janine Dennis, Sarah Morgan, Matt Charney, and so many others.
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to mentor others, whether formally as part of a mentorship program at work or informally. You make a difference!