On Election Day, I thought it would be fitting to re-run my post in memory of Tim Russert, host of NBC’s Meet the Press and influential political commentator who died in June.

As I watched and read coverage of Tim Russert’s death, everyone who worked with him pointed out his generosity of spirit and willingness to mentor colleagues. In fact, the quote on one of the memorial programs for Tim Russert reads, “No exercise is better for the human heart than reaching down to lift up another person.” I heard him described as someone who pulled others up and then held them there, nurturing and celebrating their successes.

My sense from the tributes memorializing him is that this quality, along with Russert’s reported love of family, work and life, may have contributed as much to his success as his tenatious questioning of political figures.

I’ve written about being a “connector” and what a great aspiration it is to become a networker who networks generously and links people for their advantage. Similarly, this is a great time to think about the value of a mentor. Being a mentor can raise your career aspirations. People who see your kindness and generousity of spirit will help lift YOU to higher career heights. How much easier will it be to find people to offer recommendations and references if you are a strong mentor? How much more will you enjoy your work life if you really care about the people who work with you?

For young people entering the working world for the first time, the lesson is to seek a mentor and to someday aspire to be one. Get to know the people who work with you. Care about their lives, their children, their sports teams. Connect because you care and people will respond. Your career and your life will be the better for it!

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Comments

1. November 4th, 2008: John Gurnick Says:
   

   My wife and I were talking about Tim Russert this morning. His insight and perspective are missed, especially on Election Day.

   Very nice piece – We should all aspire to be connectors and help to make this world a better place.

2. November 4th, 2008: Miriam Salpeter Says:
   

   John,
   Thanks for reading and commenting…For me, the whole election cycle just wasn’t the same without Tim Russert. He certainly made an impact on those who knew him and those who just “knew” him from TV.

3. November 4th, 2008: Chandlee Bryan Says:
   

   Miriam,

   Loved your piece, you inspired me to write one a new post about Mr. Russert and his white board:

   http://emergingprofessional.typepad.com/the_emerging_professional/2008/11/missing-tim-russert-the-secret-to-a-great-presentation.html

   Thanks again for the great “food for thought,” I’ve included a link to your blog on my post.

4. November 8th, 2008: Miriam Salpeter Says:
   

   Chandlee -
   So glad I could help inspire your post! Thanks!

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