Countdown to 250: Leading & Mentoring

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. 

Benjamin Franklin  

*This Countdown to 250 series will examine the powerful role that early American Revolutionary leaders played in the 18th century—and the impact they can have on 21st century leadership development.  As the 250th (“semiquincentennial”) anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence draws closer, may all of us choose to positively impact those in our spheres of influence in revolutionary ways too. 

A new book on mentoring was published this past spring with an intriguing title: Who Believed In You? How Purposeful Mentorship Changes the World (McCormick & McCormick, 2025). The question alone is worth pondering—but it’s the subtitle the struck a resounding cord with the team at LEADon®, especially as we delve deeper into our Countdown to 250 series that focuses on a significant season which did indeed powerfully impact world history.  

Often people assume the concept of mentorship is relatively new, particularly when we look at books published, and programs introduced during the past few decades.  But mentoring, which involves a trusted counselor or guide passing on his or her expertise to others, is actually quite ancient, dating back at least as far as Mentor himself (for this interesting history, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentor_(Odyssey). 

Based upon his experiences, Benjamin Franklin knew the benefit of mentoring firsthand. He had been given the opportunity to learn the art of printing during an apprenticeship with his older brother, James.  As Franklin asserted in the quote above, the process of ‘doing’ the work, which in his day meant setting letters for the printing press and actually selling the product, eventually enabled him to branch out on his own.  Years later, Benjamin Franklin would expand on those experiences to help forge a new nation (for more on this truly revolutionary individual, see www.benjamin-franklin-history.org). 

Another 18th century figure who applied Franklin’s insights in his own sphere of influence was the Commander and Chief of the fledgling American army.  George Washington mentored two bright, yet distinctly different, junior officers who showed promise and, in his mind, potential to positively impact the battle for independence. Both Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette flourished when given opportunities to apply what they had learned, and like Franklin, would later branch out to serve their respective countries in tremendous ways too. 

In Revolutionary Leadership: Transcendent Lessons from the Life of George Washington (Wilke & Wilke, 2023), an entire chapter is devoted to the topic of qualified mentoring.  Indeed, the LEADon team believes that 21st century leaders need to not only become mentors but to also be mentored themselves.   

As you consider this point, take a few moments to ponder the following questions: 

1. Who do I confide in when I have questions, concerns, or doubts in my leadership role? With whom can I safely share personal and professional topics?  
2. Who am I ‘training up’ to become a better leader? Am I sharing my expertise with others so that, when I’m gone, they can pass this institutional knowledge on to the next generation? 

While considering those questions, remember—we are never too old to receive good guidance, nor are we wired to do life without someone to confide in, personally and professionally.  

Some leaders we’ve worked with have been concerned about the time such mentoring can take away from their current role and responsibilities. Fortunately, LEADon team members have witnessed the ‘multiplier’ effect that current investments can have in the future. As an example, let’s look at the benefits that mentoring had in George Washington’s life: 

1. Personally: Ironically George Washington, the ‘Father of His Country,’ never had any biological children.  Historians have noted that his relationships with both Lafayette and Hamilton helped fill personal gaps in the general’s life, especially the innate need to pass on wisdom and experience to a younger generation. 
2. Professionally: Lafayette’s influence in France helped convince his country to eventually participate in the American Revolution.  Hamilton would go on to become an integral part of George Washington’s presidency, even assisting POTUS1 in establishing a secure financial system for the United States. 

The team at LEADon offers numerous free resources to help as you mentor others in your personal and professional spheres of influence too.  Check out The LEADing Blog where you’ll find numerous posts that will enhance your mentoring skill sets. We also have over thirty SHRM-approved online courses that address a variety of leadership needs. For today’s topic, please peruse LEADing by Coaching and Mentoring® to see how the material might support your valuable team members. 

Finally, as Franklin noted so poignantly in the quote above, hands-on learning is the optimal way to acquire and retain lasting skills. If you’re interested in seeing if our LEADon team can assist you and your Corporate Family® in that kind of quest, please contact us at www.LEADonUniversity.com.