Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.
~ Jack Welch
In my 20s and 30s, my focus was on developing knowledge and experience. I am in my 40s now (full disclosure!) and am definitely still learning, but I am at a point in my career when I have many opportunities to give back and to mentor the next generation of leaders. If you look at my LinkedIn profile, you’ll see that I list “Mentor” under my profile heading. This role is important to me. My approach in mentoring is to be vulnerable and share what I wish someone would have shared with me as I faced each challenge, milestone or crossroad. I try to infuse my blog with that same philosophy.
When mentoring, I attempt to be authentic and share all of my mistakes as well as principles I have found to be successful. You learn from both good and bad experiences. It is just two different ways of coming at the lesson.
Are you growing the next generation of leaders? Are you looking for opportunities to mentor and share your knowledge and wisdom? If not, I encourage you to do so. There are opportunities to mentor all around if you just open your eyes to see them. You will not only help someone else find success, but you will also find yourself in the process.
~ SLE
Steven Lee Elder 
Steve, You are doing some great work here. Having worked with you at a few of those companies I can attest that your a great leader with a great mind. But more importantly, you’ve practiced what your preaching here. Giving and serving. Keep it up! I enjoy reading your posts. It reminds me a bit of our daily walk – and – talks at one of those 16 companies.