Page 30 - January 2021 Voices

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Evolutionary Mentoring (Buddy, Coach, Mentor)

David Shehorn,LD5

Mentoring is not a destination but rather it is a My first adventure with Pathways Mentoring
journey. We learn from each other as we travel. was with our Club’s newest Member, Carol. I
Then we adapt as problems are evidenced or as had not completed the full Pathways Mentoring

opportunities are presented. This is Mentoring Program—no one else in our club had even
to me. It is the zest that adds flavor to the started it. As a Pathways Guide during the
Toastmasters’ adventure. Pathways Rollout, I was aware that it is was a
The evolving Mentoring Program for my part of the plan. That is all I knew.

home club encompasses a novel, but gradual As I advanced through the Pathways
approach to Mentoring to accommodate the Mentoring Program, this opportunity
goals, experience, and knowledge of the Mentor and challenge presented itself with Carol’s
and Protégé. membership. With her concurrence, I worked

• TM Buddy—Introduces member to the with Carol as a buddy, coach, and mentor. Carol’s
club, meetings, and Pathways education extensive experience as a small business owner
program. and in community theater were a gift for our club.
• Pathways Buddy—Guides member to select Our mutually beneficial relationships developed

Path, then prepares for the Icebreaker. as Carol assumed a Club Officer leadership role
• Pathways Coach—Coaches member and WOW-ed us with her speech projects. These
through Icebreaker and one follow-up were not merely presentations, but memorable,
project speech. inspiring, and motivating performances.

• Pathways Mentor—Mentors member In a twist of the mentoring relationship, Carol
through three projects over a six months coached me to improve several of my speaking
period issues in voice projection, breath control, and

To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

30 ONE COMMUNITY