Mother’s Day in the US is almost here. Since 1915, the second Sunday in May has been set aside to honor mothers, celebrate mothers and the role mothers have on our lives and in society.
Most of us have many mentors and coaches in our lives. Often our parents are the first coaches we experience.
My mother without any formal training as a coach or mentor is a good coach and mentor. Not always of course, did I listen, or want to hear what she had to say. Yes, we have over the years had the intense mother vs. daughter discussions, disagreements and major differences in opinion. Maybe that is our relationship or the norm. I don’t know the answer to that question.
Actually, my mother is a good coach and connector. She is also a good role model. Connections from my mother helped me get many of my early jobs. From early babysitting engagements, project work typing insurance policies and what I view as my first ‘real’ job.
When I look back over the years, especially when I was in high school some of the best career advice I ever received came from my mother. That career advice had a positive and lasting impact on my career.
Did you receive career advice from your mother? What was that advice? Will you share your favorite career advice from your mother below?
Here is some of the advice I received from my mother:
Relationships count. Building and nurturing relationships in your life and in your career matter. My mother often encouraged me to see and understand the point of view of others, to learn about other people, what they liked and disliked, then to find a way to make a connection and build a relationship. A skill that when honed is valuable to your career.
Service matters and when done gladly all the better. Don’t just do the minimum, always do your best and then something extra. My mother always adds the extra thing. It is part of her personal branding. Delivery of expected service and doing the job you are paid to do just covers the basics. The skill of grateful service and adding value does set you apart from the crowd. Something extra of significance to the person or organization you are serving adds instant value, gains favorable attention, encourages referrals, and repeat business, items critical to your career.
I hope you will share some of the career advice you received from your mother, or someone special to that you will celebrate on Mother’s Day. I thought it would be a cool way to honor my mother this year on Mother’s Day. Join me in this honor if you wish.
Sharing the advice your mother shared with you seems like a great way to say thank you and honor that advice. Mothers you are also welcome to share the career advice you have given to your children if you wish. Thanks for sharing your treasured advice.
Enjoy Mother’s Day on Sunday as you celebrate in whatever special way fits you!
Mother, Happy Mother’s Day – thank you for being a coach, a mentor, a role model, a friend and a wonderful mother. See you soon. Cindy
