Mentoring for Leadership: Investing in Our Members and Expanding their Knowledge

Spring is in full swing. Just as our current Program Year is winding down, we are prepping for new things to come. Let us not forget the lessons we have learned throughout the year:

• How important it is to mentor new leaders and new members.
• All of us need refreshers on Bylaws and the ever-changing world of technology.
• Use the talents of all your members to become successful and to work as a team for our mission of serving our veterans and their families.

What a great year we have had learning how to Mentor for Leadership, to invest in our members on expanding their knowledge, and learning to work outside the “norm” for our mission. It would not be me if I did not leave you will some tools to take with you.

R.O.C.K. Mentoring and Leaders

Most local Auxiliaries have elected new officers and soon so will other levels of the Organization. Now that new leaders are stepping into their roles it is more important than ever to be their R.O.C.K.; the mentor they can go to for guidance and support. Newly elected leaders, it is time for you to use the R.O.C.K. motto in your leadership so that you will become someone’s R.O.C.K.

Reliable | Outgoing | Consistent Communicator | Knowledgeable

Reliable – As a leader your members need you to be there all the time, on time and to set the example. You are the person who each member knows they can count on and are trusted to guide the Auxiliary for the new year. Being reliable also means you can be counted on to be fair and impartial with everything you encounter.

Outgoing – Being a leader you need to be approachable and non-judgmental. When becoming a leader, you want everyone to feel as they can talk to you about anything and that you will approach every situation in a calm, open and understanding manner.

Consistent Communicator – This is one of the most important, not just for our Organization but in all aspects of life. Being a consistent communicator is an asset that everyone wants to have. Members want to know what is going on whether the news is good or not so good; they want their leaders to be upfront and not be kept in the dark. The better you communicate, the more likely your members will be to come together to work with you and each other.

Knowledgeable – Being knowledgeable does not mean you know everything; it means you know where to get the answer if you are unsure. It is the ability to teach and learn. Being knowledgeable also means you know the needs of your Auxiliary, how they communicate and what works for you within the Bylaws. Being a leader, your job is to continue to add onto your knowledge of the organization so that you can better assist those members and Auxiliaries who need it.

Active Listening

Did you know that active listening is probably one of the most underrated leadership skills? The purpose of active listening is earning the trust of others and helping you to understand their situations. It is more than just hearing someone speak. You are fully concentrating on what is being said and using all your senses to listen. The better we are at active listening, the less misunderstandings and arguments we have amongst members and leadership.

Here are some great ways to practice active listening:

• Being neutral and non-judgmental
• Patient
• Using verbal and nonverbal feedback to show your listening (eye contact)
• Summarize the conversation for understanding
• Ask questions
• Avoid distractions

To all my R.O.C.K. Mentors out there THANK YOU. Mentors never stop learning. You are all amazing and there is no doubt that you all want the best for our Organization, our Mission and our Members.