There is no greater an occupation than helping others succeed!   I invest in others by mentoring, teaching, coaching, sharing, etc. I want to impart my knowledge to you.  On the other hand, I want to learn from you too.  Consequently mentoring is a win-win for all involved!  If you would like to explore a mentoring relationship, please contact me at yoakumjames@gmail.com.

Why I Choose To Mentor 

by Jim Yoakum

A Short Introduction.  As an accomplished C-level corporate executive, I have many experiences to share.  Add that to my life’s experiences and I believe I have much to give back.  There are many ways that I give back.  But one of the most prevalent and rewarding methods that I do is mentoring.  Providing mentoring serves provides me a means to offer my experiences and give back to others.  I find mentoring a rewarding and personally satisfying.  But mentoring is a two-way street.  I benefit and receive back as much as I give.  Giving and receiving -- That is why I have chosen to be a mentor. 

What Is Mentoring. Mentoring is a relationship which gives people the opportunity to share their professional and personal skills and life experiences, and to grow and develop in the process.

There are no basic skills required to mentor.  The mentor merely uses his knowledge gained through experiences to teach, coach, advise, guide, encourage, promote, etc., another.   Mentoring may be on a regular basis or a one-time basis.  It can be done face-to face or it can be done remotely e.g., via the internet or by telephone.  A mentor can be someone we know well or it can be someone who we do not know personally or professionally.  It can be someone who we have established a relationship with merely to engage in the mentoring process.  

We all act as mentors and are mentees. Every time we offer advice we are the mentor; each time we receive advice we are the mentee.  This process occurs throughout our life; it is part of  learning, part of self-development.   On a personal level, it is generally an informal process.

Historically, mentoring in the business world has been more formal, more structured; often gained through business organizations and schools.  However, with expanding technology and the rapidly changing economic and business environment that necessitates U.S. companies to compete in a world market place, business mentoring is becoming a more informal process.  I am delighted by this change as it increases the opportunity for more mentoring and for me to receive the benefits gained by serving as a mentor.  The self-development, continued personal and business growth and change we all desire and strive for, is obtained by mentoring by providing individuals with someone to give feedback, question, challenge, comfort and guide.  So why shouldn’t we open doors that create opportunities for more and more mentoring.  

Why Mentor.  Mentoring is not my passion; it is my obsession.  I want to help others.  It is my mission.  And I never want to stop learning, stop growing.  Mentoring relationship allow me to help others and to grow and learn myself.