Of Mentors and Mentees

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve always had some subordinate under me, the ones that I could orders around and have them scurry with their tasks (evil laugh). But as much that I would like to see them suffer under all the work loaded up to them, I would also like to impart some knowledge and let them build good foundation for their career.

Some of them are under the impression that they’ve achieved well academically, they’re equipped to enter the work environment. With the 3.7++ CGPA’s, they think that they simply would have a meteoric rise once working. Wrong!!! University does not equip you to manage people and emotions. They do not teach emotional intelligence at uni which I personally think they should.

Hence as a mentor I would like my ‘padawan’ to develop the sense of wanting to learn and establish :

1. Good and Sound Technical foundation for running Daily Operations
2. Better Interpersonal Skill

So the two of you, don’t fret when you’re being scolded by your techs, customers or even your superiors. Take it as character building and build up your EQ. Even if your position warrants respect, you still have to EARN your respect.

To those things that I’ve asked you to do :

1. fence that I’ve asked you to climb (even thought there’s an opening nearby)
2. the tower wagon that I asked you all to climb
3. the endless switching and restoration
4. arrangements of gensets
5. fault locating, repairs and testing
6. attending meetings especially with local MP
7. handling complaints
8. endless questions about ratings, equipment, work methods
9. face a grieving family

are part of character building and should be taken as such.

At this stage, you need to cover the grounds quickly and keep the experience. You will draw a lot on your experience as you progress in life. You’re lucky that somebody wants to help and nuture, not like some old skool mentor where you’re thrown into the deep end and left to swim or sink. Even though I’ve lost in sudoku (ONCE! – I demand a rematch), couldn’t score in futsal or sing to save my life, I hope that I’ve set an example that you could utilize. To Z**d And A**e, all the best in your future undertaking and I know you could be one of the better execs.

Busy at work carrying out tasks ( or pretending to do work ? )