Decisions Determine Destiny

By Charmaine Grant  – Head of Relationship Management (QLD & NT),

Institute of Managers and Leaders

Michelle Obama once said, ‘Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.’ An inspiring woman who is a lawyer, a writer, a mother, wife to the 44^th President of the United States and the first African-American first lady. There are certainly no limits to what we, as women can accomplish and achieve when we make the decisions to determine our own destiny.

But how do we get there…. How do we stop the distractions of everyday life from us achieving our goals, reaching for the stars and being the leader, we want and need to be!

I don’t believe that the answer is removing these distractions, my thoughts are that we need to channel them so that we can utilise them in reaching and achieving our goals.

I know you’re thinking, this sounds good in theory but how do I do this, make this happen?

Get a Mentor…. Learn from others!

Imagine how valuable it would be to have a Mentor share their knowledge and wisdom that they have accumulated throughout their career with you! While you get the chance to ask questions, seek advice and benefit from the support of someone who has already forged a similar career pathway to you. Not to mention how empowering it would be for your Mentor to see you their Mentee flourish and step forth in achieving your goals.

A key benefit of being a Member of the Institute of Managers and Leaders is that you gain access to the Member Exchange programme, a four-month mentoring program, free of charge!

Yes, it’s complimentary and a benefit available to all Professional Members. The Institute has broken down the geographical barriers, offering the program no matter where you reside.

Matching between a Mentor and Mentee is based on industry and role experience plus the Mentee’s objectives for the program. Within the program you also have access to webinars and monthly mentoring articles.
Reflecting on my experience, I have seen my confidence soar!

I have developed my own business networks, gain insight into planning and reviewing my own self-development, increased my knowledge and skills and had the opportunity to learn from an experienced leader.

Most importantly, as a leader my ability to support my team and organisation reflects on this experience as I have gained new perspectives that I can share when setting objectives and working towards achieving our overall goals.

The choice is yours, if you want to learn from a more experienced individual who can help you achieve your career goals, then it’s time to become a Mentee!

Alternatively, if you have reached a stage in your career where you feel like you are ready to share your skills, knowledge and experience that can benefit others, then it’s time to become a Mentor!

Applications for the Institutes June cohort for Mentors and Mentees is now open, more information is available on the Institutes website – www.managersandleaders.com.au

Always remember that we must Nourish to be able to Flourish!

Charmaine Grant

Head of Relationship Management – Queensland & Northern Territory
Institute of Managers and Leaders

Charmaine has the opportunity each day to empower and inspire her team, members and communities to be better managers and leaders.

After many years of travelling the world and settling in Sydney working in Events and Communications, Charmaine relocated to the Sunshine State to be closer to her family 4 years ago and it was the best thing she has ever done.