I've used my last two newsletters to discuss the virtues of "Womentorship" - taking time out of your busy schedule to take a young woman under your wing and provide her with some much-needed guidance. I believe that women who mentor other women aren't just doing the right thing - they're heroes!
 
I can imagine some of the protests now: aren't heroes usually men with superpowers, saving the lives of the people who depend on them? Well, I think that women - and society in general - need to let go of that old-fashioned idea of the hero. Whether it's husbands, CEOs, or political leaders, we're addicted to this idea of a strong, all-powerful man swooping down to save us. We need to learn to take care of ourselves and find our own solutions. Indeed, rather than conventional heroes, we need more HERoes - women and men who have grown enough to empower others and help them be the best they can be.
 
In short, a true HERo doesn't just save the day - they help to create new HERoes.
 
Movies like Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings are good examples of this archetype. An ordinary boy or girl is called upon to go on a quest. They accept the call, they are tested, they develop inner fortitude, and ultimately come through it stronger, more confident, and more capable than before. Most importantly, they always have a mentor who believes in them before they have the confidence to believe in themselves. Luke Skywalker had Obi-Wan Kenobi, Frodo had Gandalf, and Dorothy had Glinda, the Good Witch. While they provided guidance, these mentors didn't shield their protégées from every pitfall encountered on their journey. The protégées had to find their inner strength to accomplish things they never thought possible.

Today there are different kinds of quests, from beginning a university degree to venturing into a corporate career, and experienced mentors can be an important part of these journeys. These mentors were tested on their own quests and developed their own internal fortitude as they conquered the outside world. Rather than just hanging onto their position at the top of the mountain, though, today's HERoes look for ways to elevate others and help them to the summit.
 
I view my career at Potash as a similar quest. I started as a small-town girl and worked my way up to the top echelons of the company, overcoming obstacles (and even a few fire-breathing dragons) along the way. As I wrote in my last newsletter, I credit a lot of my success to the mentors who provided me with advice and encouragement when times got tough. Still, after 26 years at the company I started hearing a call to leave and move on to new things. At first I tried to ignore this voice, but HERoes are always called upon to grow further and set out on new quests.
 
When I announced my decision to leave the company, many of the people I'd mentored sent cards, letters, and emails saying things like "I'm going to miss your daily encouragement" and "I'm not sure we can do this without you." As flattering as this was, I felt that I'd put them on solid footing to succeed without me. "This is the process of rejuvenation," I wrote back. "You may not realize it, but you're ready to succeed, and I believe you'll find it in you to accomplish things you never thought possible." I also left them with a final piece of advice: "Now is the time for you to become a mentor yourself. The only thing better than getting encouragement is giving it." Remember that before Obi-Wan was a mentor to Luke Skywalker, he was mentored by masters like Qui-Gonn Jinn and Yoda. HERoes create new HERoes.
 
The end of every quest is Self-Celebration, the Sixth Precarious Step. When the HERo comes home from their quest, they first go to the temple to give thanks for their safety on the journey. They then go to the courts, where they tell entertaining and inspiring stories of their exploits. HERoes are meant to be celebrated, not just for saving others but for inspiring others to grow, venture out, and make the world a better place.
 
There are a lot more quests out there, and as "Womentors," we can show the world the benefits of a new kind of HERo. If everyone could see the value of this kind of HERoism, maybe we can learn to break the dependency of wanting someone else to save us. We can each do our part by assuming our duty to serve as a mentor, and by taking the responsibility to find one for ourselves.

© 2009 Betty-Ann Heggie. All rights reserved.