The world is in the middle of one of the worst leadership turbulence yet. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 86% of people agree that we’re facing a global organizational leadership crisis. Aspiring leaders must be shown the way as young leaders are like clay. All the right ingredients might be there, but they require strategic molding to achieve the right end product.  Mentorship in higher education is akin to the sculptor’s hand. Mentors guide intrinsic qualities in young leaders, weeding out the bad and smoothing out the good to steer leadership onto the right path.

What is good leadership?

Anyone can become a leader in name, but not everyone can truly embody what it means to be a good leader. Good leadership doesn’t just involve managing a group of people and giving directions. It's the ability to guide, inspire, and influence individuals or a group of people to achieve common goals and work effectively toward a shared vision; It’s about leading by example and understanding and amplifying the value of each member; It’s about understanding that great power bestows great responsibility and an obligation to those over whom you reign.

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Effective leadership can take different forms depending on the context and the individuals being led. Good leaders adapt their leadership style to suit the needs of their team and the situation at hand. Moreover, leadership is a continuous journey of self-improvement and growth, where individuals can continually refine and develop their leadership skills.

Good organizational leadership also looks to the future and inspires change through the inspiration of its vision. Good leadership doesn’t build walls. It builds bridges. Because of this, good organizational leadership stirs hard work. It elevates the work environment by decreasing errors, accelerating productivity, and improving efficiency.

Why Mentorship and Leadership Goes Head to Head?

Mentorship is not confined to the walls of academia or the boardrooms of corporations. It thrives in diverse environments and can be a driving force in various aspects of life. In the realm of the arts, mentors inspire the next generation of artists to channel their creativity and bring their visions to life. Such cross-disciplinary mentorship exemplifies the universal appeal of mentorship as a timeless and invaluable practice.

The impact of mentorship transcends generations, leaving a lasting legacy. Great leaders of the past were often shaped by the guidance and wisdom of their mentors, and in turn, they become mentors themselves, passing down their knowledge to future generations. This mentorship continuum creates a ripple effect, where the torch of leadership is passed from one hand to another, illuminating the path for countless individuals along the way. As we stand at the precipice of a new era, marked by global challenges and opportunities, mentorship remains a steadfast guide, ensuring that leadership, in all its forms, continues to evolve and flourish, steering us toward a brighter and more empowered future.

What makes a good leader?

Although some people are natural at leadership, no one intrinsically possesses all the right constituents of a good leader. That leads us to the million-dollar question, what makes a good leader?

Here are a few basic foundations of a good leader:

• Visionary
• Good leaders have a clear and compelling vision for the future. They can articulate this vision to their team and inspire others to work toward it.
• Integrity
• Leaders with integrity are honest, ethical, and trustworthy. They lead by example and adhere to a strong moral and ethical code.
• Communication Skills
• Effective communication is essential. Good leaders are excellent listeners and communicators. They convey their ideas and expectations clearly and actively engage in open and honest dialogue.
• Empathy
• Understanding and empathizing with the needs and feelings of team members fosters trust and strong relationships. Good leaders are sensitive to the emotions and concerns of those they lead.
• Decisiveness
• Leaders must make timely and informed decisions. Good leaders weigh the pros and cons, gather necessary information, and are willing to take calculated risks.
• Adaptability
• The ability to adapt to change and navigate through uncertainty is crucial. Good leaders are flexible and can adjust their strategies and plans as circumstances evolve.
• Accountability
• Leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions, as well as those of their team. They hold themselves and others accountable for achieving goals and meeting expectations.
• Empowerment
• Good leaders empower their team members by delegating responsibilities and providing opportunities for growth and development. They trust their team to take ownership of their work.
• Inspiration
• Leaders inspire and motivate their teams through their enthusiasm, passion, and dedication. They lead by example and encourage others to strive for excellence.
• Results-Oriented
• Ultimately, good leadership leads to positive results. Leaders are focused on achieving goals and delivering outcomes.

Mentorship is a guiding light

If the world were plunged into darkness and you could barely see beyond your face, how would you know where to go and how to get there? Mentorship is the light in the darkness. It provides the illumination that guides aspiring leaders to their destination.

It doesn’t necessarily tell you where to go. Mentorship sheds light on all the possibilities, allowing you to chater your own path to success. It shows the way in both ups and downs, ensuring the vision is firmly fixed on the end goal. Mentorship allows aspiring leaders to come into their own, act on the beauty of their dreams, and truly shine.

Mentors and good leadership

Mentors turn good leaders into great leaders. They provide an unlimited supply of wisdom, experience, and motivation. As an aspiring leader, you should know that you don’t know everything. This is where your true power lies as it enables you to look to those who’ve gone before.

Here are a few other ways mentors nurture and develop leaders:

Providing objective advice where your judgment is blinded by a conflict of interest

• Offering a new perspective when everything you’ve tried hits a dead end
• Making you more efficient at overcoming leadership-specific challenges
• Opening doors by linking you to their peers
• Building your confidence and making you unstoppable

It can get lonely at the top and there can be a shortage of people to trust. Mentors provide a shoulder to lean on and a confidant who can guide in overcoming leadership-specific challenges. Someone to share the burden of responsibility and unshackle potential.

Benefits of mentorship for future leaders

If you’d like to be a great leader of tomorrow, you need to be a great learner in the present. Embrace mentorship as this will play a key part in elevating your confidence to handle the highs and lows that come with the territory. Mentors can also pass on important skills that you need to succeed on the job, offering new perspectives you may never have thought of and brushing up on the other skills you need to go from good to great.