The Privileged Life: Marks of a Good Mentor, Part 2 (At Work)

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

“Say, Nancy….” I must have heard those words hundreds of times, and they prefaced whatever Chuck Branch was getting ready to tell me—usually some job he wanted me to undertake. But I never dreaded hearing them. His job assignments for me were never onerous, never demanding, always couched in the form of a request. 

Chuck was my boss at my first real job as an advertising copywriter, straight out of my college work. Those were “Madmen” days in Memphis…I could share all kinds of wild stories about the agency where we worked. Without Chuck’s help, I wouldn’t have survived any of it. 

A former newspaper editor, Chuck was the public relations director for our clients, and he taught me how to write effectively. I learned, from his guidance, how to craft all kinds of promotional materials, how to pitch a campaign to a client, and how to rise above mediocrity.

I’ve had quite a few good bosses over the years, but Chuck stands out because he was a great mentor as well. What made him valuable to me?

• A kind heart—Chuck was particularly patient, even though I’m sure he was frustrated at times with how “green” I was. He was always available to review my work—an excellent editor who corrected my multitudinous mistakes without criticizing. When I left the agency, I made him a stitched wall hanging…and with a smirk, he pointed out a typo in the script. Argh. I took my gift back, unframed it, corrected the mistake, and returned it to him. 
• Freedom—Have you ever worked for someone who micromanages? It’s usually a miserable situation. Chuck never hovered but allowed me to manage my own workload. It also meant that he let me make mistakes (not big ones) so that I could learn from them. And, he challenged me at times with demanding projects, trusting me with extra responsibilities for career growth.
• Ethics—Chuck exemplified the basic values of a true public relations professional: telling the truth and avoiding unethical situations. Once, when a client was on a downhill slide toward “sleaze” in their product content, Chuck stewed over the difficulties—and eventually dismissed the client, resulting in lost revenue. His integrity and the agency’s reputation were more important to him than the money. 
• Selflessness—It’s rare to find a boss who thinks more highly of others than himself. Chuck was confident without being prideful, arrogant, or even falsely humble. He was ready to defend me if I got into trouble, even when I wasn’t present. Chuck was also glad to march with civil rights activists (long before it was popular), promote the Crimestoppers program, and champion other causes. That didn’t stop him from being competitive. My brother Jim, who also worked at the agency, played racquetball with him and told tales of how Chuck would scorch him and other youngsters on the court.

Chuck and I remained good friends over the years after I left the agency. It was a significant loss, to the community and to me, when he passed away (young) in 2002. 

If you’re an employee and if your boss is a good mentor, count yourself extra-blessed…it’s not easy to find someone who fills both roles. Take advantage of your situation and learn as much as you can. Or, seek out an employee who’s more experienced than you. Become friends, and ask questions that will help you face challenging problems. Give advice without being critical.

If you supervise others, look for ways you can exemplify the good qualities of a mentor. Create teaching opportunities for your employees, encourage them with praise, and serve them selflessly. Trust your people to do their work.

Who’s the best example of a mentor? Jesus, of course. He had 12 “employees,” and His primary mission on earth for these chosen ones was to mentor them into launching His church on earth. He taught them and led them forward in their faith, all selflessly. Even though He didn’t hesitate to rebuke them at times, they accepted His training because they were never in doubt that He loved them.

Consider Jesus’ example as a mentor as you read the Scriptural record of how He interacted with them. Learn from the way He asked pointed questions, giving His followers the opportunity to ponder the truth and grow in wisdom.

May you find—and eventually become—a good mentor. If you have the privilege to be a mentee, I pray you’ll be as richly blessed as I’ve been.

Jesus, my hope and joy, show me today how to be Your servant in the marketplace. Please give me Your divine opportunities to be a good mentor or mentee, and enable me to grow spiritually and intellectually in the process. Help me to recognize that I serve You in my work, whatever I do. Make my words wise, gracious, humble, and praiseworthy. In Your name, Amen.

P.S. I connected unexpectedly with Chuck’s daughter, Tricia, in a delightful conversation over the phone while researching this topic. And, I was able to share Marie Hickman Yancey’s story (https://lightbournecreative.com/2024/04/16/the-privileged-life-marks-of-a-good-mentor-part-1-spiritual-leadership/) with her son, Ron. What a joyful gift to find both of them after all these years!

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her weekly blogs are featured on Crossmap.com. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at http://lightbournecreative.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography…photo of Chuck Branch provided by his daughter, Tricia) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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