Mentors for Hire

Coming up with a personal board was illuminating. As I sat there wondering who I would surround myself with at my own table, I had to wonder why it was I would want certain people around me. I decided that while there would be qualities that each would bring to the table that no one else would have, there had to be a unifying factor.

First and foremost, I had to make sure that my wife was the chairman of my board. I talked to one of my mentors last week and some advice he gave, while there were things I had heard and understood before, was put into a new light for me. He mentioned that my first enterprise had to be my marriage. This enterprise consisted of two people, and therefore would only be worth whatever the both of us invested into it. A reoccurring investment that should take priority over all other investments. Recognizing it in this light made me realize that all of my business, whatever it would be would be hers as well.

For the others around the table, the unifying factor had to be passion. I chose people who were passionate about what they did. On my table was a mathematician, a boy scout executive, a children's book writer, a president, and a prophet. They all had commitment, desire, passion, and a vision that they accomplished in their respective fields.

That is what I want in my mentors. It is great to have someone that cares about you, or someone that wants the best for you or to see you succeed, but it is empty without that vision. If I can but understand what drives them, it is the parabolic difference between them giving me a fish and them teaching me how.