Mentors: a B- or C+Word

I traveled to Kanab Utah to see one of my inspirers today and yesterday. Russ Mead works for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, as general counsel. When Hurricane Katrina hit he took a team of employees down to set up a provisional animal shelter. They did a phenominal job saving animal lives in a situation that was unstructured, un- or over-regulated, and physically exhausting. He says what he learned from the situation is how to motivate intelligent, idealistic people. Short answer: explain the mission or big picture, tell them what part they are to play and why their role is important, and then "praise the hell out of them, without being phoney or disengenuine." He's thinking about writing a book about what he's learned.

We got all excited together coming up with he and his wife's next career move. I think he's ready for the national stage. With his rescue efforts he's now got a compelling key note-- and this is for a man who was already charming and charismatic on the stage.

We read tarot cards and he gave me a deck he picked up in Reno when he was there setting up a sanctuary for 1,400 rabbits. I gave away my decks years ago. He said this particular deck seemed purchased just for me. There are people in our lives who provide a rich dosage of whatever it is we like or need. You don't need to see them often to get the pungent substance that makes a difference.

Who are those people for you? I hope that I am that for other people. In astrology we would call this having a strong 6th house influence-- the house of mentors, the act of passing the torch on to others of similar persuasions. The role of mentorship isn't something that is a strong suit of our culture. With mentorship, we have a long way to go. Don't be surprised if someday you hear about a cultural rebirth in how we pass along the flame on what has been learned. Living is a hard endeavor. We could all use tips as to how to do this journey better. Oprah, self help books, and key note speakers at networking events is not enough. We need real live people who can guide us about how to live well.

My word of advice from Russ: read some more Tarot cards.