A Lesson in Subtlety: How to Mentor Colleagues

While there is no clear path to finding a mentor, when Simon Whitton, Managing Director, SIRO Consulting chatted with Brandon Pfluger, Host, Knowledge is Power, about his career in robotics, he shared some key insight into how he’s ended up acting as a mentor to colleagues.

 

Throughout his career, Whitton has held leadership positions that have given him the opportunity to educate colleagues in the industry, from other executives down to building his own teams. When it comes to coaching colleagues, Whitton tends to stumble upon these opportunities similar to how he did the field of robotics. “You tend to not really stop and think too much about that, you just move on. And I suppose the evidence of whether you’ve done it reasonably well, it is the people that are coming along behind you and how they’re working,” Whitton said. Whitton has enjoyed following the career progress of his teammates over the years.

He shared a story about a colleague he watched grow and evolve over the years who went from service engineer to the president of a large organization in China. This colleague was very humble, but needed a little push. “You reach a point where you say this person is growing, and you realize that you realized before he realizes, this guy could be quite something. But he doesn’t think he can be, he’s still very humble and a bit nervous about taking the different steps, if you see what I mean,” Whitton said. He explained that reinforcing with confidence boosters instead of trying to convince him of his potential was more effective. “So it’s that reinforcing as a kind of convincing, if you like, but certainly all the time, all you’re really doing is this mentoring,” Whitton explained.

Check out this episode of Knowledge is Power for more insight into leadership, mentorship, and the robotics industry.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Shaping the Future of Warehouses: Key Takeaways from MODEX 2024
Shaping the Future of Warehouses: Key Takeaways from MODEX 2024
March 28, 2024

As the logistics and material handling sectors pivot towards recovery and innovation, MODEX 2024 emerges as the crucible of transformation. With an attendance spike reminiscent of pre-pandemic vigor—up by 30%—the event has become the epicenter of technological showcases, signaling a new chapter for industry efficiencies. The stakes? A competitive edge in an industry where, […]

Read More
IWCE 2024
Icom Hits Orlando for the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE 2024)
March 28, 2024

Icom America’s Jon Paul Beauchamp was in Orlando, Florida for IWCE 24, the International Wireless Communications Expo. Beauchamp sent greetings from Icom’s Booth, #805. Catch all of the highlights at Icom America.

Read More
security communication solutions
Game-Changing Security Communication Solutions On Display at IWCE
March 28, 2024

One of the spotlights at this year’s IWCE event in Orlando, Florida were the security communication solutions which make a significant different in sensitive environments like public schools. How can dealers successfully navigate partnerships with agencies to enhance their security measures? Jon Paul Beauchamp of Icom America caught up with Paul Toth, the Owner […]

Read More
four perspectives in 2024
Amend & Progress: Exploring Four Perspectives in 2024 and Beyond
March 28, 2024

In a dynamic exchange on the Amend & Progress podcast by Vodori, Annalise Ludtke explores four perspectives in 2024 that will help bring effective content to the market now and beyond. With the participation of Vodori’s CEO and Co-Founder, Scott Rovegno, the conversation unveils insights on macro-level topics crucial to the organization’s strategic direction. […]

Read More