Written By: Dominique Jordan
December 8, 2020
As dean and professor at the Howard University College of Pharmacy, my passion is to develop other aspiring leaders in the profession regardless of gender. I am, however, aware of the lessons I have learned due to great mentorship. Recently I shared a story with my faculty about an encounter with a mentor who was so kind to share truth with me and helped shape my approach to career development after 10 years of assuming that I deserved a promotion.
It was almost 20 years ago, and I was a dedicated assistant professor who was willing to serve the profession and the organisation. I, however, was not very intimate with the specific guidance documents that would determine whether I was promoted to associate or not. After my colleague/mentor agreed to review my CV, he told me: “Toyin, you are so nice, and you are willing to serve and do many things.” He also quickly pointed out that the niceness was preventing me from focusing my scholarship in such a way that would propel me towards excellence, impact and eventually recognition in an area of practice/scholarship. I cried, more out of sadness that I wish I had received that information years before but elated that at least I now had the necessary information to change my trajectory.
I took his advice and it helped me change my approach to success, growth and career development ever since. As a woman leader, I am grateful to those who have taken the time to mentor me and this 33-minute mentoring session that changed my life has helped me pay it forward into many other lives. Did you know 33 minutes could change a life? It did mine and I am grateful for the time that many others who believe in me have invested. You will notice that it was a male colleague who shared this truth with me. I therefore encourage you to be open to all who will be willing and available to take the time to add value to you. You may be surprised at who is willing but not available, and there are those who are available but not willing.
It is all about relationships and investing in 360 degree relationships is critical to growth and development. You never know where the next tip to advancement will come from. It could be time during a coffee break, at a conference, on the train, in a taxi or in a waiting room between meetings. The art of listening, observing and asking the right questions at the right time can yield incredible results that will benefit your career. While formal mentoring sessions are great, you do not have to wait to form a formal relationship. If you have learned the art of asking powerful questions, your attitude and habits of self-directed lifelong learning will yield great results. I have learned a lot in those years and I am grateful to God for all those he has placed in my life as helpers of destiny.
About the author:
Toyin Tofade is dean and tenured professor at Howard University College of Pharmacy, Washington, USA.