Mentoring: Invaluable to Success

By John W. Stutzman, CPRP, Golden Valley Parks and Recreation

Most parks and recreation professionals share a passion for the outdoors, athletics, and living an active lifestyle. These interests are likely why many of us pursued our first job in parks and recreation, and why we chose a career which serves others and their desire to experience recreation. Creating opportunities which inspire people and improve their quality of life is why we do what we do! Yet, as rewarding and enjoyable as our profession is, it is not for the faint of heart.

Recent graduates committed to earning their way into the field are fighting to keep their “heads above water” in an overly competitive job market. Talented young professionals dedicated to elevating themselves are engulfed by oversized applicant pools, consisting of their friends and colleagues, to obtain the field’s coveted management positions.

Those who have achieved success rely on hard work, talent, and determination to showcase themselves while navigating the early parts of their careers. All of these are admirable and desirable traits, but are they enough to provide an edge to obtain that “big break?” When answering this question, it is important to remember the opportunity to inspire and improve lives is not limited to just our constituents and program participants. It applies to us as professionals as well.

I would attest there are other factors which contribute to the success of young professionals. A person who takes an interest in a young professional’s development and inspires and encourages, introduces new opportunities by opening doors, and provides guidance to help them reach their full potential. In other words, a mentor. Mentorship is defined as a learning partnership developed for the purpose of sharing technical information, institutional knowledge and insight with respect to a particular occupation, profession, or organization. A more precise way to describe it, is a relationship in which a professional inspires a mentee to explore new ideas, take risks, and never stop learning. A mentor invests time and energy to support an individual, encourages professional development, and speaks honestly in critical situations saying what needs to be heard, instead of what the mentee wants to hear.

As we grow and mature in our careers, younger professionals will begin to look to us. Thus creating an opportunity to fill the role as a mentor and to pay-it-forward. An eagerness to aid the growth of other professionals is commendable, but ultimately their development is a personal responsibility. Even with the best intentions, if someone is not interested in your wisdom and guidance, unfortunately the efforts will likely be underutilized. Therefore, it is important to remember the mentor/mentee relationship is a two-way street, built on a foundation of open and honest communication. Younger professionals make the best mentees when they are willing to accept advice, feedback and suggestions, as well as show a desire to be challenged and work outside of their comfort zone.

Once a solid foundation for a mentorship has been established, common mentoring techniques can provide the partnership with a good ice breaker. Sharing institutional knowledge, coaching to effectively utilizing strengths, and inspiring a strong work ethic are examples of potential early strategies. Similar to top-tier athletes, great mentors are able to adapt for each unique relationship, and tailor a mentorship to each individual. Encouraging the pursuit of specific leadership opportunities can provide mentees their chance to build comprehensive resumes, improve decision-making abilities, and provide circumstances to learn what not to do. Sharing career miscues, will highlight your experiences and serve as teachable moments to help them avoid similar situations. When young professionals find themselves at low points and struggling, it is essential to be supportive and provide reassurance. Remember, plans in our profession rarely happen exactly as envisioned. Mistakes are a part of being a professional, the important lesson is how you respond to them. Equally as important as learning from mistakes, be sure to celebrate together as successes are achieved.

As recreation professionals, most of us can surely recognize a superb individual, or several, who took an interest in our development providing guidance, motivation, and support which has influenced our successful careers. These professionals inspired, reassured, and shared their professional networks, helping us to develop not only professionally but personally.

Reflecting on the impact these relationships have, it’s hard to deny that our mentors have become more than teachers, supporters and confidants. They have grown to be role models and friends. I, for one, recognize how fortunate I am to have mentors who cared and nurtured my development as a young professional. As my career evolves, they continue to support and encourage me. Quite simply, their mentorship has been invaluable.