Each of us is shaped by what we see, hear, and learn. Almost every person we come into contact with will have an impact on our persona. Our environment shapes our persistence, insight and how we view the world. Even these landscapes change. I had mentors growing up. They loved Tecate and Modelo. At celebrations we’d kill goats and carefully, meticulously cook them underground ceremoniously create a delicious tasting and mouth-watering meal, called birria de chivo. Along the way we met individuals that inspired in us the possibilities, who held us to higher standards and rigorously had us check our principles, those ideals that stand like a rock. Mentors come and go, but find one that you connect with and have synergy with who will guide you along this road of life. Some are online and some are offline. Some are our former bosses and colleagues that we picked up leadership vignettes and style from.
Servant Leaders
Servant leaders and former bosses like Major General Eldon Regua, and Marie Dahlstrom are hard to come by– so gravitate to them and learn as much as you can when you can.
Knowledge Base
People often ask me where I was trained, and where I am always learning. For personal and professional advice I seek out the counsel of Jay Bloom, Galen Li, and my wife Edith. On ideas, I magnate to TED: Ideas worth spreading. On business strategy using social media and marketing, I soak up Chris Brogan, Guy Kawasaki, and Seth Godin. I began my initial training in the migrant camps and fields picking strawberries, cucumbers, and apples next to family and friends.
Jovita Lopez
Jovita Lopez, my first english professor at Skagit Valley College held my feet to the fire and counseled that I should spread my wings and go beyond the horizon. She was one of my first mentors. It was the most profound advice I received growing up. It was during my earlier years that Danny Reyes introduced me to books like Chicano! The History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement, Revolt of the Cockroach People and Chicano Art Resistance and Affirmation that inspired me. Further motivation propelled by my attendance at the Student Leadership Program’s Conference. And, later MEChA National Conferences, NACCS. Throughout these events we come into contact with people that we look up to for guidance, advice and counsel. We keep connected using online tools like Facebook, and Twitter.
Mentors
Mentors believe in us. They help us see through the fog. Sometimes they clear the fog. They connect us with others during conferences and events. They email us and check in. They keep us motivated. But the ultimate is serving as a mentor to someone else. So do it. That young man or women will thank you 10 years later on his/her blog.
Who in your eyes are servant leaders? Where do you gain your knowledge base? Who is your Jovita Lopez? What did we miss? Comment below.
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