Mentorship
A professional is someone who gets paid for their work. And in turn if they are compelled to offer what they have learned to others on a similar path. I’ve learned a lot by watching and then by doing. Often in the doing I have been able to trial and error complex problems. Then back to watching mentors, listening to them, practice and more practice. Asking questions. And more watching.
Growing up in our family business of trail construction, I often was around professional situations, both discussions and activities that have helped define much of my own professional journey. That started from watching my Dad and Mom take on complex trail building projects.
As families go, we went through many challenges. Again and again we found ourselves in the work. Out of necessity but also out of a shared love of being outside, adventures and each other.
As our business now approaches its 50th year some of the fundamentals havent changed, while other aspects of the work continue to evolve. Fundamentals about the journey together not individual. Grit to take on challenging jobs, learning from them and taking on the next one. And the next one.
Especially my Dads lessons around building run deep. He died almost 3 years ago, a few weeks shy of writing this. It’s amazing how much of him I have in my decision making process. Long slow perspectives on opportunity. Decision making processes.
My Mom is teaching me valuable lessons today about movement in business. Forward motion. The balance she shared with my dad helped propel them along in ways that many couples are not able to sustain. Living and working together full time.
For their faults, I can sure find some amazing examples of mentorship from both of them. And continue to find inspiration in how I am moving professionally today.
Twin Oaks Est 1978 