The week between Christmas and New Year is typically a time spent reflecting on how the previous year went. We look at our list of goals from the year, both professional and personal, and we try to determine what progress we made towards those goals and what changes we might need to make in the coming year. We look at the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, and we typically vow to do better in the new year than we did in the old.
This year (well, last year now), during this time, I began to reflect not just on those highs and lows, but on the people in my past that helped propel me to the place I am in life. Maybe it is the time of year or the fact that I recently embarked on another trip around the sun and am now one year away from a senior discount at IHOP. Whatever the reason, I found myself thinking back on those people who helped me professionally and personally throughout my life.
The Parental Units
It was a bit surprising to realize that my parents were, in fact, my very first mentors. While we all acknowledge this truth on some level, I had never truly considered them as mentors until now. Throughout my life, my parents were separated, living in different locations most of the time. Both struggled with alcoholism, and neither pursued a college education. They held ordinary jobs; my mom was a respected waitress, and my father worked as a clerk at an auto parts store.
I can’t recall any conversations with them that imparted profound wisdom or advice worthy of a motivational speaker like Zig Ziglar. There were no lengthy discussions about handling finances, raising a child, or similar topics. However, they offered examples of unconditional love for their children, unwavering support (my mom attended every baseball game I played), and a strong work ethic. Though seemingly small, these lessons remain valuable pillars I still rely on today. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for these enduring principles.
The Bible Study Teacher
After spending almost seven years in the US Army with stops in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq during Desert Storm, and South Korea for a year, and after spending two years at Kansas State University trying to be a college student (I wasn’t any good at that), I returned to my hometown of Granda Hills, California to start my next adventure. Part of that adventure was being introduced to a lady who not only led me to make one of the most important decisions of my life, accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior, but also teaching me about the Bible, Jesus, and other life lessons.
Sitting in the living room of Peggie Scarrott’s home, we learned about the Bible and what being a Christian and living a Christian life looked like. We learned that living a sacrificial life, putting others before yourself, and loving others were key to a satisfying life. Thank you, Peggie, for the countless hours of study you put in for all of us and, most of all, for the things you taught me that were not part of the study!
The Managers
There were five, probably more, managers that had an impact on my life as an employee. Some of the lessons I learned from them were difficult or were ones where I felt I was being wronged. It wasn’t until years later, on the other side of the lesson, that I truly saw what they had taught me.
Jeff
Jeff Turner took a leap of faith by giving me an opportunity right after college. As a friend of one of his employees, I entered the scene with limited knowledge of Apple computers, relying solely on my friend’s recommendation and a simple handshake. That leap of faith, however, became the catalyst for my burgeoning career.
Under Jeff’s mentorship, I discovered the transformative power of having faith and trust in others and the impact of taking a chance on someone. Jeff’s willingness to extend opportunities taught me that such choices can elevate individuals to new heights.
I express my sincere gratitude to Jeff for consistently being there for me and for his pivotal role in shaping my career journey. Thank you, Jeff, for your unwavering support and belief in my potential.
Steve
Steve Rothenberg served as my guide in understanding the intricacies of managing an IT organization. In the office, where three Steves coexisted, he played a pivotal role in my professional journey and even influenced my choice to go by the name Woody for an extended period.
Steve took me under his wing as a novice apprentice without profound knowledge of technology, networks, or servers. He imparted invaluable lessons, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the customer over profit and the significance of admitting when one is wrong.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Steve for everything he taught me. May he rest in peace, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and mentorship that will be remembered with gratitude.
Jeanette
Under Jeanette Morris’s management at Jeff’s company, I gained valuable insights into structuring my days, tracking successes and failures, and evolving into a more effective employee. Jeanette’s guidance extended beyond mere task management; she took the time to address my questions, problems, and concerns, demonstrating a genuine willingness to listen.
Jeanette emphasized the significance of reflecting on past experiences as a means to guide future directions. Her mentorship showed me the importance of considering one’s journey to effectively navigate present and future situations. Thank you, Jeanette, for your guidance and support in shaping my professional growth.
Rich
Rich Guetzloff entered my professional sphere as the new VP of infrastructure, expanding my perspective on IT. His arrival marked a shift in our approach, introducing structure to our operations. Rich reorganized the IT department, forming cohesive teams and equipping us with the necessary tools and resources for improvement. Initially, I resisted some of the changes and policies he implemented.
However, with the passage of years, long after my departure from the company, I came to realize the significance of Rich’s teachings. What I initially perceived as unwelcome adjustments turned out to be invaluable lessons for career development. Rich illuminated the idea that, despite the challenges associated with change, it often paves the way for growth and new opportunities.
In hindsight, I appreciate Rich for imparting essential insights into how a well-functioning IT organization operates. His guidance provided me with opportunities to expand my knowledge and enhance my skills. Thank you, Rich, for demonstrating the importance of embracing change and for contributing to my professional growth.
Jan
Jan Gittemeier served as my manager during my tenure at The Integer Group, a retail shopper marketing advertising agency located here in Dallas. While the initial year of my nine-year stint at Integer was positive, Jan and I didn’t always see eye to eye. In fact, my inaugural annual review proved to be one of the most challenging evaluations I had ever experienced. I vividly recall storming out of her office, consumed with frustration over our discussion.
However, this episode led me to a crucial realization: in the realm of IT, our responsibilities encompass 90% customer service towards our internal clients. The way they perceive our performance becomes the lens through which we are judged. Despite my initial self-assurance as the top-notch IT Director on this side of the Mississippi, it became clear that my internal customers held a different perspective. This revelation prompted me to make a conscious effort to change.
Once I adjusted my approach and prioritized understanding and meeting the expectations of my internal clients, my relationship with Jan underwent a positive transformation. I came to recognize her as one of my most valuable managers. Even today, I appreciate Jan for imparting invaluable lessons on becoming a better person and emphasizing the importance of considering others’ perceptions in my decision-making. Thank you, Jan, for your guidance and helping me grow personally and professionally.
The Wrap Up
So what have I learned, and what do I bring forward into the years to come? I’ve learned that mentors are not always who we think they are. That oftentimes you do not engage them to be your mentor. You do not sign a contract or pay them money. They are simply people in your life who see something in you and wish to invest their time and their knowledge into you so that you can be a better person, a better spouse, a better human.
So, as you head into 2024, take a look at the people in your life, past and present, and try to identify the mentors you have had and those that are in your life today. Then try to identify people in your life whom you could be a mentor to today.