The Act of Mentor Leadership

Lately, I have been getting into reading leadership books, especially ones that revolve around how coaches lead successful programs and teams. Being a coach myself, I am always interested in learning how other coaches build winning teams, cultures, and people. Recently, I just finished Tony Dungy’s book, “The Mentor Leader.” Tony Dungy has always intrigued me because of his unique style of leadership. Before I read his book, I knew that he was a man of strong character, values, humility, and faith. What I didn’t know was how he built his football teams into well respected, self-sustaining franchises.

The thesis of the book revolves around how to be a mentor leader and what that entails.  A mentor leader is someone who takes time to invest in the lives of others. The difference between leadership versus mentor leadership is that the “mentor leader looks at how he or she can benefit others-which ultimately benefits the individual and the organization.” The great thing about mentor leadership is that anyone can take time to mentor someone whether it is a sibling, friend, co-worker, etc.  Below are several excerpts from the book that I believe exemplify better what a mentor leader is:

*If we lose sight of people, we lose sight of the very purpose of leadership.

*Mentor leadership focuses on building people up and building leaders for the next generation.

*Building a life of significance, and creating a legacy of real value, means being willing to get your hands dirty.

*Mentor leaders look beyond themselves, focusing on the people they lead and where they should be going together.

*If you do it right, as a mentor leader you may make it all but impossible for other people to give you credit.

*Truly serving others requires putting ourselves and our desires aside while looking for ways and opportunities to do what is best for others.

*Mentor leaders produce mentor leaders. Their legacy is able to live on because of the investment they made in others.

We need more mentor leaders in our society. Many children, even adults need positive role models to learn and grow from. Anyone can be a mentor leader; all it takes is an investment in others. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you decide to mentor someone. Nothing in my opinion can be more full-filling than helping others grow and succeed.

As always, thanks for reading.

-RD

Quotes are taken from The Mentor Leader