Send The Elevator Back Down

Success is a great experience and something that takes time,
dedication and work. It also usually takes support from
others. No one accomplishes much on his or her own. Even
if all that means is we have people who believe in us and
cheer us on, it takes a collaborate effort for each one of
us to be successful.

It can be easy to forget from whence we came. Once we get
to the top, we can forget what it took to get there and
perhaps the people that are still where we used to be. When
we become successful, it is important that we support those
coming behind us to also be successful. Once we get to the
top, we need to "send the elevator back down" to give those
behind us support to get to the top too. There is plenty
of room for all of us to be successful. And the more
successful each one of us becomes, the better off all of us
will be.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen the elevator being sent down
as much as it could be. Sometimes, those who get to the top
are fearful of those coming behind. They don't want the
competition. There is even a syndrome referred to as "the
Queen Bee syndrome" where women are fearful of helping other
women succeed for fear that they will be replaced by the
woman they help. If we all operate from the belief that
there is more than enough to go around, our fear can be
replaced by the sense of doing something that benefits
everyone in the long run.

One of the most important things to do in life, in my opinion,
is mentor someone. I believe it is a privilege and an
obligation to support others in achieving their desired
success. When someone is new to the field and just starting
out, it can be daunting. There is usually so much to learn
and understand that having someone to support and encourage
us on our way is essential. It is always easier when two
people row the boat. When we are both rowing, we both will
go further than we would alone.

I volunteered with a local organization to coach women who
had found themselves on the other side of the economic
curve. For many reasons, these women were in positions
where they were challenged to support themselves and their
families. I was assigned to a young woman who had a small
child, no job and no place to live. I mentored this young
woman for three years. At the end of that time she had
graduated from junior college, moved into her own apartment,
and had a good job with room to grow. When I began
mentoring this young woman, I thought I was going to teach
her a lot. Was I ever wrong? She is the one who taught me.
I still marvel at how much I received from this
relationship. That is the beauty of supporting others. In
the process we also grow, learn and receive unbelievable
gifts.

At every opportunity, send the elevator back down. This can be done in many ways. Provide informational interviews, mentor a new member of the organization or perhaps spend time at a local High School sharing what it takes to be successful. There are many ways to lend support. When we help someone reach his or her goals and dreams, we make a world of difference.