Achieve Career Success by Learning from Mentors and Mentees

 I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of cities, including New York City, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and San Francisco. Each of these places has offered unique opportunities and challenges, and I've been fortunate enough to work alongside some incredibly talented individuals. These experiences have broadened my perspective, helping me to gain an appreciation for different viewpoints and leadership styles. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot, and in this article, jim rose peabody award I’d like to share a few leadership principles that have guided me in my journey.

Be a Mentor, Find a Mentor

The first principle I’ve come to appreciate is the importance of mentorship. Whether you are a mentor or a mentee, the relationship you build with others is incredibly valuable for personal and professional growth.

If you don’t already have a mentor, I encourage you to seek one out. A mentor provides invaluable guidance, advice, and support based on their experiences. They can help you navigate difficult situations, offer insight into industry trends, and even help you set clear goals for the future. Mentorship goes beyond just advice; it’s about building a relationship based on trust and respect.

Similarly, if you find yourself in a position where you can mentor others, I encourage you to make yourself available. Being a mentor doesn’t necessarily require years of experience or expertise, but rather the willingness to help others grow. Often, your experiences—whether big or small—can be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Mentoring is a two-way street, where both parties gain valuable insights and develop a deeper understanding of their field.

I’ve found that being a mentor not only helps others but also enhances my own skills, improves my confidence, and strengthens my leadership abilities. There’s a unique satisfaction in helping others grow and succeed, and it’s something that has truly shaped my own journey.

Laugh: The Power of Humor

In a world that often feels fast-paced and full of pressure, I’ve learned that laughter can be one of the most effective tools for managing stress and building connections. No matter how busy or serious things may get, finding moments to laugh with colleagues and peers can make a huge difference.

When stress levels rise, it's easy to lose perspective and focus solely on the challenges at hand. However, humor has a remarkable way of breaking the tension, offering a fresh perspective, and even bringing teams closer together. In my experience, when people share a laugh, it creates a positive atmosphere that fosters creativity and open communication.

A lighthearted moment can also create a sense of shared understanding. It allows teams to bond, alleviates some of the pressure, and reminds everyone that there’s more to work than just deadlines and tasks. Laughter can lift spirits, improve morale, and even spark new ideas. In this way, it helps nurture a work environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

Incorporating humor into your daily routine, whether through a funny story, a light-hearted comment, or a casual joke, can be a simple yet powerful way to build a stronger, more connected team.

Look at the Data

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of looking at the data before making any decision. In many cases, your intuition might lead you in one direction, but the data can either confirm your hunch or challenge it. Regardless of the outcome, the data will always help you make a more informed and better decision.

In the fast-paced world of business and leadership, it’s easy to let emotions, assumptions, or past experiences drive decisions. However, relying solely on these can lead to mistakes or missed opportunities. When I started prioritizing data in my decision-making process, I quickly realized how crucial it is to gather the right information before making big calls.

The data provides concrete insights into performance, trends, customer behavior, and many other factors that are essential for strategic planning. It helps eliminate biases and supports objective decision-making. Whether you’re working on a marketing strategy, considering a new hire, or evaluating product performance, data offers clarity that can steer you in the right direction.

That said, data isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes it challenges your assumptions or goes against your gut feeling. In those instances, it's important to consider why the data looks the way it does and how it aligns with your long-term goals. It’s about using data as a tool to support thoughtful, evidence-based decisions.

Listen to Understand, Not Just to Respond

One of the most essential skills any leader can develop is the ability to listen actively. Too often, we listen with the intent to respond rather than with the intent to understand. Active listening goes beyond simply hearing words—it’s about absorbing the message, understanding the context, and responding thoughtfully.

In leadership roles, you’ll find yourself in situations where employees, colleagues, or clients share their thoughts, concerns, and feedback. It's important to listen to what they’re really saying, not just to offer a quick response. The ability to truly listen helps you understand the underlying issues, build trust, and develop stronger relationships with those around you.

Active listening is also an excellent way to identify areas for improvement and to create a culture of openness and communication. When people feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to be engaged and motivated to contribute their best work.

Embrace Change and Adaptability

Another guiding principle I’ve learned throughout my career is the importance of embracing change and being adaptable. The world around us is constantly evolving, and the ability to pivot and adjust to new circumstances is vital for success.

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed how industries change, technologies evolve, and trends shift. The organizations and leaders who thrive in these environments are the ones who remain open to change and actively seek ways to adapt. Whether it's adopting new tools, adjusting strategies, or learning new skills, change is inevitable—and it often presents incredible opportunities for growth.

As a leader, embracing change means fostering an environment where innovation is encouraged and failure is seen as a learning opportunity. Change can be challenging, but it can also be a catalyst for growth, both for individuals and for the organization as a whole.

Lead with Empathy and Compassion

In my experience, one of the most effective ways to lead is with empathy and compassion. Understanding the emotions and needs of others allows you to build strong connections, create a positive workplace culture, and foster trust.

Empathy doesn’t mean always agreeing with others, but it does mean taking the time to understand their feelings, perspectives, and challenges. As a leader, this helps you make more thoughtful decisions and guide your team with greater insight. Compassion extends this by showing that you care for the well-being of those you lead and that you are willing to support them when they need it most.

Leading with empathy and compassion also helps create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected. It encourages open communication and collaboration, which is key to achieving shared goals and driving success.

Conclusion

Looking back on my career, the leadership principles I’ve shared—mentorship, humor, data-driven decision-making, active listening, adaptability, and empathy—have been instrumental in my personal and professional development. These principles have helped me navigate the challenges I’ve faced, build strong relationships with my colleagues, and create a positive, productive work environment.

As I continue to grow and evolve as a leader, I remain committed to these values and am constantly striving to improve. Leadership is a journey, and every experience offers an opportunity to learn, adapt, and become better.