When you look around the world today and see all the turmoil that is taking place you can’t help but wonder “can I make a difference?” What are the little things that I can do that would make a difference in someone else’s life or perhaps in an organization. The Christmas and New Years’ time frame provides us with time to reflect on what we have that perhaps others do not. Perhaps the most important thing for all of us at this time of the year is to be surrounded by loving family and friends and to remember the family and friends that are no longer with us. It is they that have “given” to help us be the best that we can be.

You are likely wondering where I am going with this article? I wanted to frame the article for you to show that there is a lot going on in the world today. We are faced with acts of nature that cause major damage to countries and loss of life, civil strife in some countries and war in yet others. We are faced with an aging work force and a talent shortage coupled with poor succession planning on the part of industry leaders.  We have 75% of the workforce today that is not engaged causing organizations to see a huge productivity impact on their bottom line.

As I reflect over all of this, I search for potential solutions to some of these challenges. You are right in suggesting that there are some of these challenges that we have little if any influence over. I do believe though, that we can make a difference if we truly want to in all the challenges that we have identified.

Think of this from the perspective of a trained mentor who focuses on the development of trusted relationships. They want to make a difference in someone’s life or in an organization. They are about giving – perhaps giving back and wanting to leave a legacy. In return they receive the greatest gift ever – sometimes a simple thank you and most of the time the joy in seeing someone be the best they can be or an organization reaching new heights all done through the development of a trusted relationship.

I am currently working with an organization where we are building an engaged, empowered and accountable workforce enabled through the power of mentoring and a mentoring culture. We had challenges when we started the journey but as I reflect back now, I have seen a new organization has emerge with engaged, empowered and accountable employees. Yes, we are still in the build phase but I am receiving the greatest gift of all – trusted relationships and an organization that I would be proud to call my own!

I could share other stories of success and would be delighted to do so another time! When you look around you think not of “what’s in it for me” but if “if I give – I shall receive” and it will change who you are as a person. Through the “power of mentoring” you can make a difference in the world today – you can give and you will receive the greatest gift of all – your legacy!