Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders: Lessons from the Chessboard

As an engineering leader, I’ve always believed that mentoring is a crucial aspect of developing the next generation of leaders. My recent experience playing chess with my son has reinforced this conviction and reminded me of the parallels between the game and effective mentoring.

The Strategic Mindset

In chess, each piece has its unique strengths and limitations. Similarly, in engineering teams, each member has their strengths and areas for growth. A good mentor recognizes these differences and adapts their approach to help each team member develop their skills and reach their full potential.

The Dilemma: To Win or Not to Win

When playing against my son, I face a dilemma: whether to let him win for the sake of fun or play my best game to help him improve. I’ve come to realize that this dilemma is not unique to chess, but is also relevant to mentoring. As a mentor, I want to encourage others to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills, but I also want to provide them with a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Lessons for Engineering Leaders

So, how can engineering leaders apply this principle to mentor their teams effectively? Here are my takeaways:

• Challenge your team members: Create an environment that challenges team members to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
• Provide feedback, not free wins: Provide constructive feedback that is specific, timely, and relevant, rather than simply giving team members a free pass.
• Encourage learning from mistakes: Encourage team members to view failures as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as setbacks.

By applying these principles, we can create a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where team members feel challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to help our team members grow and succeed, and by doing so, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and our organizations.