Flying with a net

I have several people I consider mentors. At work, I have an official mentor who is also a friend. She provides wise counsel, an attentive ear and sometimes, serves as the drain into which I pour my angst. She knows me well enough to know when I just need the drain, and for this, as well as the counsel, I’m grateful.

There are others as well, from whom I draw on their varied expertise. I’m not a parasitic protege. I give as well as receive and mentor others when the opportunity arises. Those who mentor me, and those I advise (hopefully, well, and only when it’s welcome) create for me a net, not just to catch me when I fall but to bind us together over distance, to link us in ways that we’ll remember for years to come.

I have learned, through leadership training courses, about my personality type (ENTJ) and my D.i.S.C. behavior profile (I, high S)1. Coursing along in daily life I forget to take these profiles into account, unless a conflict arises. When I am faced with difficulty, I find it helpful to return to the tools I’ve learned, the wisdom imparted by mentors past and present, employing them to smooth the road, at least for this stretch.

Working at home, as an “I” can be difficult. “I” people do not like to work alone. While I am physically alone most of the time, I work as part of several teams to get things done. The interaction with my mentors, clients, team members and with others makes it possible for me to work and thrive in this environment.

A cautionary word to anyone who thinks that the work at home, telecommuting life is ideal and the perfect fit for them. Know yourself, first. Consider not only your personality and behavior style but your personal support system, your work relationships and your work style.

1 DiSC was developed by Marston and Jung