Perspectives on Mentorship from the Mentor’s and Employee’s Side

Mentorship
Mentorship

The mark of a good mentor is that their students develop and become mentors themselves. Greg Gullberg is an example of when mentorship works like it is supposed to. Gullberg enjoyed great mentors while in college, an internship at CNN, and in his early journalism career. Now that he is transitioning into being an industry veteran, he is paying it forward. Greg Gullberg has become an excellent mentor himself to young talent coming up through the ranks.

In any organization, the junior staff of today are the leaders of tomorrow. However, tension sometimes may exist between junior and senior staff. Juniors may regard their seniors as too rigid and not open to new ideas, while seniors may look at the youthful energy of juniors as undisciplined. Mentorship is a good way of acknowledging and bridging this generational gap.

From a mentor’s point of view, mentorship provides the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and mold tomorrow’s leaders. The mentor can share his or her years of experience and insights with juniors to help them understand the industry they are in. Open communication between the two will also help seniors understand the career development goals of new recruits and the obstacles they face in adapting to the company’s culture. With this increased understanding, internal policies can be structured to foster growth and remove work-related bottlenecks. Mentors can also spot potential leaders. These high performers can quickly become an asset to the business. Guiding their growth by exposing them to the different workings of the organization will help them be better decision makers as today’s juniors and tomorrow’s leaders.

For junior employees, mentorship presents an opportunity to learn. Mentors help reinforce academic knowledge with the practical skills of the work place. They also give invaluable career advice accumulated from their years of experience. Such insights would take juniors years to acquire on their own. Employees should also realize that advancing in an organization is much easier when a mentor is guiding them.

Three Tips for Cycling During the Winter

Cycling pic
Cycling
Image: bicycling.com

Greg Gullberg, an experienced journalist, enjoys leading a healthy and active lifestyle. When he is not conducting research for a story, Greg Gullberg enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking and cycling.

Cycling is a great way for individuals to stay in shape and explore new areas at the same time. However, some dedicated cyclists may find it challenging to continue their cycling activities during the winter months. In some cases, riding during the winter is simply not possible. However, there are a few tips and tricks cyclists can keep in mind in order to optimize their winter riding experiences.

The first and most obvious tip for winter cyclists is to monitor both road and weather conditions. In some major cities, the plowing of bike trails and walking paths after a storm is prioritized right alongside plowing the streets, while main roads are often left untouched after a light snow due to the application of salt and sand. That said, a well plowed bike path can quickly turn hazardous if a cyclist chooses to go riding in the moments right before another snowstorm.

Cyclists are also advised to ride with complete control of their bikes, a tip that is applicable year round. A clear road may suddenly become slick with slush or ice, at which point riders should slow down and be prepared to take their feet off the pedals to steady themselves. Brakes should only be applied to rear wheels, as front brakes may lock the wheel and lead to a fall.

Finally, cyclists should remain highly aware of other riders and motorists. Drivers must focus more attention on the road when conditions are dangerous, increasing the chances of a nearby cyclist being overlooked. These same conditions may also make it difficult to brake or redirect a car in order to avoid a cyclist, so it is best for cyclists to stay clear of cars and other bikes whenever possible.