Send The Elevator Back Down

Success is a great experience and something that takes time,ndedication and work. It also usually takes support from nothers. No one accomplishes much on his or her own. Even nif all that means is we have people who believe in us and ncheer us on, it takes a collaborate effort for each one of nus to be successful.

It can be easy to forget from whence we came. Once we get nto the top, we can forget what it took to get there and nperhaps the people that are still where we used to be. Whennwe become successful, it is important that we support those ncoming behind us to also be successful. Once we get to the ntop, we need to "send the elevator back down" to give those nbehind us support to get to the top too. There is plenty nof room for all of us to be successful. And the more nsuccessful each one of us becomes, the better off all of us nwill be.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen the elevator being sent down nas much as it could be. Sometimes, those who get to the topnare fearful of those coming behind. They don't want the ncompetition. There is even a syndrome referred to as "the
Queen Bee syndrome" where women are fearful of helping othe
women succeed for fear that they will be replaced by the nwoman they help. If we all operate from the belief that nthere is more than enough to go around, our fear can be nreplaced by the sense of doing something that benefits neveryone in the long run.

One of the most important things to do in life, in my opinion, nis mentor someone. I believe it is a privilege and an nobligation to support others in achieving their desired nsuccess. When someone is new to the field and just startingnout, it can be daunting. There is usually so much to learn nand understand that having someone to support and encourage nus on our way is essential. It is always easier when two npeople row the boat. When we are both rowing, we both will ngo further than we would alone.

I volunteered with a local organization to coach women who nhad found themselves on the other side of the economic ncurve. For many reasons, these women were in positions nwhere they were challenged to support themselves and their nfamilies. I was assigned to a young woman who had a small nchild, no job and no place to live. I mentored this young nwoman for three years. At the end of that time she had ngraduated from junior college, moved into her own apartment,nand had a good job with room to grow. When I began nmentoring this young woman, I thought I was going to teach nher a lot. Was I ever wrong? She is the one who taught me.
I still marvel at how much I received from this nrelationship. That is the beauty of supporting others. In nthe process we also grow, learn and receive unbelievable ngifts.

At every opportunity, send the elevator back down. This can be done in many ways. Provide informational interviews, mentor a new member of the organization or perhaps spend time at a local High School sharing what it takes to be successful. There are many ways to lend support. When we help someone reach his or her goals and dreams, we make a world of difference. nn