Mentoring vs. mentoring

In my time as a Rotary District Governor, I've had the privilege of visiting countless clubs, each with its own unique character. Yet, across all these diverse gatherings, I've observed two distinct approaches to mentoring that have left lasting impressions on me.

I call the first approach "Mentoring" (with a capital M). It's a formal, structured system implemented in many clubs. A seasoned Rotarian, perhaps someone who's been with the club for decades, is paired with a newcomer. Club leadership plays matchmaker, considering shared interests or complementary skills to create these mentoring partnerships.

These formal Mentoring programs often come with clearly defined goals. Sometimes, it's about helping the new member find their footing in the club. Other times, it's about grooming the next generation of club leaders. In some clubs, there are written checklists that new members must complete to transition to full membership.

Regular meetings between mentor and mentee are scheduled, ensuring consistent engagement. During these sessions, the mentor imparts wisdom about Rotary's history and structure, ongoing projects, and the myriad ways to get involved. It's a focused, intentional transfer of knowledge.

But there's another form of mentoring I've also witnessed - one that happens more organically. I call this "mentoring" (with a small m). It's the magic that occurs naturally within the vibrant ecosystem of a Rotary club.

Imagine a typical club meeting. Members from all walks of life gather, sharing diverse perspectives and experiences. As they work together on different projects or committees, knowledge transfers happen in real-time. At social events, casual conversations lead to unexpected insights and shared wisdom. And when members attend district events, their horizons expand as they meet Rotarians from other clubs, sparking new ideas and collaborations.

In clubs where this informal mentoring thrives, I've seen a beautiful exchange of ideas across generations and professional backgrounds. Each new member gives as good as they get, contributing their views and experience, keeping the club dynamic and fresh. New members often tell me they feel quickly integrated and valued for their unique contributions.

I've come to believe that this "small m" mentoring, especially when combined with proactive engagement from new members, offers the most dynamic path for growth within Rotary. Combined with a club's youth programs like Interact, RYLA, Rotaract or youth exchange, the results become almost magical as knowlege and skills pass to a new generation.

The beauty of informal mentoring lies in its organic nature. It exposes new Rotarians to a rich variety of perspectives and experiences that no single mentor could provide. It creates a club culture where everyone, regardless of their tenure, is both a potential mentor and mentee. The result is a more inclusive, collaborative and enjoyable experience.

The real magic happens when new members take the initiative to seek out knowledge. When newcomers arrive with curiosity, asking questions and engaging with various club members, they take charge of their own Rotary journey. This proactive approach not only accelerates their learning but also helps them develop the initiative and networking skills crucial for future leadership roles.

While formal Mentoring programs can provide a strong foundation, I've found that clubs thriving on informal mentoring tend to be more adaptable, innovative, and energetic. New members in these clubs often report feeling more engaged and valued, as they play an active role in their own development.

Embracing this organic approach to mentoring and encouraging proactive learning leads to more resilient, dynamic clubs better equipped to serve our communities and truly embody the spirit of Rotary.