MENTORSHIP SPOTLIGHT Pg. 3

Trust, Confidence and Commitment Makes Mentoring Work

This issue we spotlight mentee Liz Hargett and her mentor Vicky Lyle. Liz has learned to utilize her sphere of influence to meet leadership growth goals, and Vicky has learned that a mentee usually knows the answer to her question, she just needs the space to talk it through with someone she can trust. Read below to learn what makes their mentorship work.

MENTEE’S PERSPECTIVE

Liz Hargett, Manager, Performance Groups, Supply Chain Services, Premier Inc.

What is your background?

I have been in Supply Chain for almost 14 years working in group purchasing organizations (GPOs). I joined Premier eight years ago and absolutely love working in the healthcare industry. It is such a fast-paced environment with so much opportunity for growth. And, knowing that I am making a difference keeps me motivated.

Why were you seeking a mentor? What was your goal?

Oftentimes, our best intentions of focusing on our own development is pushed aside as it competes with other priorities. I trusted that working with a PWH® mentor would bring that focus to the forefront. I was eager for advice and coaching in my own professional growth as well as leadership development. Since my entire career has been GPO centered, I specifically requested a mentor that could offer a different perspective.

Liz Hargett

What have you learned from you mentor?

As Vicky and I discussed what my goals were, she helped me realize there are multiple paths to achieving your goals.

Some of the key points I have learned are: > Make your goals a priority and keep them at the top of your list. > Outline your goals specifically, including a map to accomplishment. > Identify your cheerleaders/mentors and check in with them regularly.

Vicky also helped me to identify ways to enhance my leadership skills outside the practice of direct supervision and enabled me to utilize my sphere of influence to meet my leadership growth goals.

What has worked with you and your mentor? Why has the relationship been successful?

From introductions and throughout our relationship, Vicky has been welcoming and approachable. We began our relationship meeting monthly focusing on getting to know one another and sharing where we were in our professional and personal lives. While our work together felt casual, Vicky was structured and helped me to prioritize my goals and develop a plan on how to achieve them. Along the way, Vicky shared experiences from her life’s journey, and those have already helped shape my future.

Best laid plans don’t always account for the challenges a pandemic can bring, and Vicky helped me work through that as well. I have learned a great deal from Vicky, and I value our relationship immensely. We now talk on a quarterly basis just to check in on my progress and keep in touch. I’m forever grateful for her commitment to mentorship.

What is your take on the value of mentorship?

A mentor relationship is valuable because it gives the mentee assistance and coaching in self-discovery and personal insight, refinement in goal setting and accountability, and openness to different perspectives. The PWH’s mentoring program specifically provided me with an opportunity to access an excellent mentor who was outside the walls of my professional reach. That difference in perspective was critical in the success of our relationship and my professional journey.

MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Vicky Lyle, VP, Industry Associations, Owens & Minor, PWH® Chair

What is your background, current company affiliation and position?

I am Vice President of Industry Associations at Owens & Minor where I am responsible for industry relations with healthcare and professional industry associations. I have more than 30 years of experience in healthcare supply chain, working in various roles at Owens & Minor including warehouse operations, technology, 3PL and provider services. I serve on the Board of PWH® and currently chair the organization. I also serve on the Healthcare Supplier Diversity Alliance and on the HIDA Diversity Council.

Vicky Lyle

Why were you seeking a mentee? What was your goal?

It is my passion for helping others that led me to mentoring. I have been so fortunate to have many great mentors throughout my career (my personal board of directors). I wanted to share what I have learned in hopes of helping someone else achieve their goals.

What have you learned from your Mentee?

As a mentor, I have learned a lot from Liz and the process overall. My biggest lesson, sometimes you simply need to offer an ear to listen. Mentees don’t always need advice. They usually know the answer but need to have the space to talk it through with someone.

What has worked with you and your mentee? Why has the relationship been successful?

Liz is full of energy and embraced the mentoring program right away. She took responsibility for setting up the meetings and what we were going to work on. She had goals that we were able to focus on. Also, an important part of the mentor/mentee relationship is trust. We trusted that we both kept our conversations confidential, and it allowed for open honest discussions.

What is your take on the value of mentorship?

The PWH® mentoring committee did an amazing job matching Liz and me. We clicked immediately and had several things in common. I have truly enjoyed getting to know Liz. I am so proud to see her continuing to accomplish her goals.

It is important for those entering the program to know that while the PWH® mentoring program provides a framework and makes the initial connection, it is up to the mentee and the mentor to make the relationship work. And, it is up to the mentee to do the work that makes change happen.

About the PWH® . Mentor Program

How can PWH® members get involved in the PWH® Mentoring Program?

Visit the mentoring page on the PWH® . website (mypwh.org/mentoring). At the bottom of the page, there is a link to click to join the program. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire (which should take five minutes or less) and from there you will be contacted by the PWH®. Mentoring Committee. We will speak with you and get to know you better before connecting you with a mentor. We make the introduction for you and your match, and provide some tips and recommendations to get started. You can also contact the Chair of the PWH® Mentoring Committee, Eryn Marx, at emarx@kbkcommunications.com.

How does the PWH® Mentoring Program work?

In addition to coordinating the match, the PWH®. Mentoring Program provides tips and recommendations to help nurture the mentoring relationship. Communication is so important! Set expectations. Determine how often you can both commit to speaking. Let each other know your preferred format for communicating (email, phone calls, texts, in person meetings). Make clear what you want to accomplish from the relationship. This program gives you the ability to connect with people in our industry whom you might not otherwise be able to meet. Take advantage of this PWH®. member benefit. We guarantee, you won’t regret it!