The new year is a time to reflect, set goals and look forward with purpose. When I reflect on those who have been guiding lights in my career, I can point to a group of extraordinary individuals who have shaped not only my career but also my outlook on life.

Through my involvement as an ASSP member, I have met and connected with people who have been vital in my career and personal growth. These individuals include Carol Keyes, Kathy Seabrook, Linda Tapp, Deb Roy and Fay Feeney, to name just a few. They have influenced my thinking and nurtured my growth as a safety leader.

Their incredible support also inspired me to start formal peer-to-peer mentoring groups for women who are 5 to 8 years into their OSH careers. The goal is to help them chart their leadership path. We have created cohorts through which participants get to know each other over an 8-month period, then use those connections as they move through their careers. 

This peer mentoring project has been rewarding because it involves sharing knowledge with other safety professionals. An inherent characteristic of our profession is that we share knowledge and embrace collaboration because we know that by learning from and working with each other, we continue to raise the bar in our profession. By rethinking long-held “golden rules” and embracing innovation and change, we can deliver higher value to our organizations.

When we support one another, we not only grow as individuals but also strengthen our entire profession. Building a sustainable pipeline of competent OSH professionals and promoting our profession as a rewarding career ensures a safer future for all workers. Contributing to this process is our duty to this profession and one another. These interactions allow us to experience the many ways mentoring influences our growth, learning and success. 

Growing as professionals extends beyond acquiring technical skills. Mentoring helps us build skills such as emotional intelligence and active listening; enables us to become more adaptable and resilient; and teaches us to think and act more strategically. In a world of rapid technological advancements and constant change, mentorship plays a crucial role not only in transferring knowledge, but also in making connections that inspire change, support growth and drive continuous improvement. Mentoring also can help bridge generational gaps while promoting representation and belonging, all of which can improve organizational culture, performance and innovation.

Whether you are looking to share your expertise or seeking guidance, now is the perfect time to take the next steps: 

• Become a mentor to share your knowledge, refine your leadership skills and create a lasting impact. As a mentor, you can help others build confidence and develop a sense of belonging. You can also learn how to listen actively and offer constructive feedback, essential abilities in any leadership role. And by engaging with a mentee, you will likely hear new perspectives that help you challenge conventional thinking and spark creativity. Mentoring is also a chance to give back and leave a lasting impact on our profession.
• Find a mentor to gain new insights, build confidence and accelerate your career growth. Sharing your aspirations with a mentor can help you develop an action plan for your career journey. By being open to learning from a mentor and sharing personal challenges and success stories, you take part in a continuous growth process that can help you become more resilient and future focused.

Several of our common interest and practice specialty communities offer formal mentorship programs that can help match mentors and mentees. You can learn more about these programs at https://assp.us/2MPfd98.

One of the most powerful steps you can take for your professional and personal growth is engaging in mentorship, whether as a mentor, a mentee or both. Mentorship is more than a professional development tool. It is a transformative relationship that drives growth and success for all involved.

As we step into a new year, I encourage you to explore the life-changing journey of mentorship. Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned professional, mentorship has something profound to offer us all.