Success in Work 3: She Mentored Many Managers

I share stories of people who find success in work. I hope they inspire you to do the same. I change their names to protect their identity.

Betty started her career as a secretary at a local branch of a global operation. She found a mentor who saw her potential and took her away from the typewriter. She soon excelled beyond her mentor and began mentoring other managers. I hope you learn two points from Betty:

1. Resist promotions into unsatisfying positions
2. You can mentor others in higher positions

Controlled Her Career to Avoid Unsatisfying Positions

Betty started as a very good secretary. Her mentor saw her potential for management, organization, and training. She soon validated his opinion and helped increase the productivity of the operation a hundredfold. She learned quickly and soon excelled. At one point she considered moving up to a branch manager position.

Her research and exploration dissuaded her. She realized that, while she enjoyed managing the staff and helping them improve their skills and production, she did not relish the added administrative and political machinations required of an operations manager. She declined proffered promotions and kept her happiness.

Mentored Many Managers in Her Career

While she avoided management promotions, upper management regularly recognized her skills. On three occasions they transferred her from one branch to another to strengthen weak managers. They also assigned her to train and strengthen three new managers . In total, she helped 8 branch managers improve.

She succeeded each time. She not only  mentored the managers, but enhanced the quality of the staff in seven operations. She possessed the unique ability to unify and motivate staff. She also sparked humor and fun in the day-to-day operations. The managers, the staff, and the clients all enjoyed better service and fulfillment because of her efforts.

Betty retires this year. She leaves behind 8 branch managers indebted to her mentoring and training, hundreds of staff members lifted by her spirits, and thousands of clients blessed by her competence and dedication.

Come back Monday to consider real case studies on miscellaneous situations affecting careers