Give Thanks for Mentors, Coaches, and Teachers

As America prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving Day I thought it appropriate to take a moment to consider all the people in our lives that enabled us to arrive at this point in our careers. That is, where we are in a position of leadership, able to influence the progress of an individual’s career or a team’s success. Over the course of our lives there were parents, family, friends, neighbors, teachers, clergy, coaches, colleagues, guides, and countless others who shared their time, their wisdom, and their talent to make us better individuals, students, and, yes, leaders.

From the time our parents taught us to take our first steps, hold a spoon, or speak our first words, we did not succeed without the patience and understanding of others. Consider the teachers, instructors, and professors making complex principles easy to grasp and understand. Remember the coaches that taught proper form and technique. Don’t forget the colleague that took time away from their responsibilities to teach you the shortcuts that accelerated your proficiency with a new task or assignment. When you look back, there are many, many wonderful individuals pushing you forward.

If you have a few minutes this holiday weekend, think back to one of your mentors and bring them to this moment and consider their contribution to your success. With that in mind, take a pen and write a brief note of appreciation and thanks. It will only take a few lines to express how their advice helps you today.

A simple note of thanks

Too often we fail to acknowledge the selfless acts of instruction, coaching, and advice willingly shared by others that make us better individuals. A simple note of thanks, I believe you would find, is not common practice. But such a note might provide the encouragement to your former teachers, mentors, and coaches to continue with the next generation of students, artists, or athletes.

May I suggest you start with your parents. Use the pen and paper, express your appreciation for their love, support, and sacrifice throughout the years. You might think they already know of your gratitude. Possibly that is true. But I assure you, your note will be treasured.

Then send a note to that teacher that would accept no less than your best or the coach that proved to you that you could run faster, jump higher, or perform at a level you never thought possible. That is their talent and their gift to you. They made you realize you are more than you imagined yourself to be.

Remember, your former mentors helped mold you into the leader you are today. Take a moment and let them know you realize their influence in your life and that you are grateful for it.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!