| The new superhero, action-thriller The Old Guard shares the story of a covert team of immortal mercenaries led by Charlize Theron who mentors the new team member played by Kiki Layne.
In separate promotional interviews for the movie, Charlize and Kiki each reflected on their own mentor-mentee experience in making the film:
Kiki: Being able to watch Charlize, her confidence, and her knowledge was super inspiring! Charlize knows what she wants and she’s not going to sacrifice her integrity in the process. I learned from her that I don’t have to give up who I am to get where I want to go.
Charlize: Kiki was inspiring to be around! It’s a misconception that the one with the experience and age brings everything to the table. We trained together, and every day Kiki would show up, all in. It made me want to show up all in. We pushed each other.
As demonstrated by Charlize and Kiki, we watch each other’s actions and behaviors to shape and mold our own, regardless of who is the mentor or mentee. In behavioral science, this is called “social cognitive theory.”
It’s a powerful influence – we are constantly taking cues from each other.
Whether we are the boss, colleague, mentor, or mentee, we mentor each other through our actions, even inadvertently.
While this superpower is currently challenged by our socially-distanced, remote reality, we can unleash it through simple, intentionally-created interactions:
- Use video conferencing, not just the phone
- Turn on your video camera and invite people into your world
- Use email, phone, and texts to communicate, “I was thinking of you…”
- Invite others to observe/contribute to a meeting or presentation
- Connect people to advocate their mutual interests
- Create small work groups to collaborate on projects
- Voice your support for an initiative, a program, a person
Charlize concluded with sage advice: “You are only as good as you are on your own. Then it’s the partner you have and where they take you.”
It’s time to purposefully create more partnerships! |
