The word “ROUTINE” can have different connotations.
There’s the ROUTINE that’s dull, boring, commonplace tasks, chores, duties, drudgery. Stuck in a rut, rote, going through the motions with no value or end in sight.
Then there’s the ROUTINE that’s inspiring and empowering. Like a routine for a sporting competition, a routine for your golf swing, or a yoga meditation practice routine that connects mind, body and breath.
A ROUTINE (the inspiring and empowering kind) is an important element of an effective mentoring journey. As you work to build a relationship with your mentor or work to build your mentoring network, use a ROUTINE that empowers you to be consistent and intentional.
When Desiree and I initiated our mentoring journey as peer mentors we started with a conversation. One conversation on the phone to get to know each other. At the end of that call, we both agreed, “Hey, this was a great conversation, let’s do another call.” So, we schedule our next call 4 weeks later. And now, more than a year later, we continue mentoring each other with calls about every 4 weeks. What’s our ROUTINE? At the end of each call, we schedule the next one. We don’t have a strict agenda for our calls, instead we catch up on progress we’ve each made, ask for insights, share ideas and help each other through the challenges we face and celebrate our achievements. Without the ROUTINE, we definitely would not be where we are today.
As I work to build and manage my mentoring network, I have a ROUTINE that helps me stay connected and on track. I keep a log in my iPad notes listing all my mentors (formal and informal). The mentors are grouped by categories that align with my goals and priorities: personal, industry, community, solopreneurship, etc. (I know, I’m a little finicky like that!). Next to each mentor, I note the last date we connected (phone, live, text, email) and the planned next date to connect. Some are weekly (family), some are monthly, some quarterly and some annually. Every Monday, my ROUTINE is to review these and set my priorities for connections that week. This routine works for me; but, may not work for you. The point is to define and implement a ROUTINE that empowers you to build and grow your network using an intentional approach.
I’d love to hear about your ROUTINEs, feedback and insights. Please share with me in an email to info@KJCompany.net.
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash