Introduction

“You do not build a business. You build people, then people build the business”

-Zig Ziglar

Do you believe this statement to be true? I 100% believe this. Let me tell a story about a mentor who makes me believe this statement to be true.

Early in my career, I was clandestinely led by a boss I would call anonymously for this article, Mr. John Doe. Under his apprenticeship, here are four mentorship-inspired lessons that I would love to share.

• On Presentation

He taught me why presentation matters-

At one of my 1^st interviews, when asked why I wanted to be a software engineer, one of the reasons I remember giving was I viewed it solely as a backend role. With all back-office responsibilities, I would not be noticed. Being the introvert that I was, this career choice seemed to mesh perfectly with my attitude. At the time he smiled.

Later on, at one of my 1st demos, he asked that I present the project I built, to the paying clients. And by myself! Consequently today, I like to encourage my team members, I encourage them to lead and to present what they create.

• On delight in the job

He taught me why passion for the job, and about the career you do matters-

Through his dealings, he demonstrated why passion matters in your work. Clients pay you to deliver and you must necessarily care and ensure that every Cedi given translates into quality work. Your enthusiasm for the work shows in your results.

His meetings with clients, with staff, and his working late into the night all demonstrated this quite evidently. With my team members, I encourage them to be enthusiastic about the work we deliver. And also to step up in how the quality of service is rendered.

• On work experience

He taught me why experience matters:

Many times, greenhorns find it difficult to be given that first opportunity to prove themselves. In the beginning, from time to time, when I encountered obstacles in coding. He would not spoon-feed me. He would give me enough rope to research, research, and then do some more research. If after all this I was still unable to troubleshoot the issue, then he would come in.

After the first two or so times, I did not need to go to him. This was because I knew what to look for. This was only one of several instances in which he showed the years of his experience. Subsequently, how I lead today, has inspiration from those experiences. I take care not to spoon-feed. I also do not micro-manage. Every employee works differently. Tell your team members what you want, and they will astound you with their results.

• On work etiquette

He taught me why work etiquette matters:

The stressful nature of the work never seemed to reflect in the way he talked or interacted with staff. He remained professional. He was always polite. He was always smiling at everyone. And he made sure to laugh heartily.

Consequently, I always endeavor to be polite. Even though we all have unmovable deliverables, we do not need to include backhanded tactics in achieving our goals. The story of how legends rise to the pinnacle is made of 99% hard work.

Conclusion

If Mr. John Doe ( not his real name ) had not opened doors for me, then I might still

• Unappreciate the need to present facts (presentation)
• Be passionless in my work output (passion)
• Disregard the need for work etiquette (work etiquette)
• Finally, I would not have gained that first bit of work experience needed ( work experience )

I might also still be introverted, and hesitant about the next steps. Consequently, I am very grateful to him for opening doors for me. The effects of these opportunities he opened to me are present with me even to this day.

I endeavor to replicate these same lessons with my own team members and others I mentor. Perhaps, one day I can also be spoken of in as positive a light as I do of him today. Or maybe someone would also write a blog post of me too!

Train your staff and let them be the seeds for a prosperous business. With that, your business is sure to live for many years even after you pass on the baton.

Thank you.