In this special Election Day episode of "The Accidental Mentor," host Charlene Garrett delves into the essence of leadership and its current state in 2024. Drawing from her rich background in leadership coaching and her years at the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute, Charlene articulates the principles of Direction, Alignment, and Commitment (DAC) through historical anecdotes and personal experiences. She emphasizes the transformative potential of true leadership, not just in governmental positions but in everyday actions and decisions.

Charlene also reflects on Franklin D. Roosevelt's powerful leadership during the Great Depression, illustrating how his clear direction, alignment of resources, and the nation's commitment ushered profound change. She challenges listeners to consider their own roles as leaders, particularly in the context of voting and civic engagement.

As Charlene signs off for the year to care for her mom, she leaves us with a call to lead with empathy and integrity, urging us to build a united and collaborative future.

Join Charlene in this insightful and empowering episode that encapsulates the spirit of leadership and self-awareness.

Quote of the Episode:

"True leaders understand that leadership is not about them, but about those they serve. It's not about exalting themselves, but about lifting others up.” - Warren Bennis

Join the Conversation

We would love your feedback:

• What does leadership mean to you?
• What is one thing you can do after the election to serve others and lead in unity?

Connect with us through comments or social media, email us at [email protected], and check out charlenegarrett.com/blog.mm13 to comment on this episode.

Keep the Conversation Going, and Stay Connected!

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

In this Mentor Minute episode, Charlene dives deeply into personal reflections from her journey as a caregiver. She discusses the enduring lessons learned about empathy, selflessness, and the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with caregiving responsibilities.

Charlene openly shares how caring for her mother, who has dementia, has led to profound growth and revelations in her life. From the delicate act of active listening to the difficult but necessary practice of living in the tension between personal and caregiving duties, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of how life’s challenges mentor us in unexpected ways.

Join Charlene as she reflects on the beauty found in these challenging times and encourages us all to lean into life's uncomfortable moments for growth and understanding.

Quote of the Episode:

"We actually learn not from our experience, but from reflection on our experience.” - Charlene

Join the Conversation:

• What resonated with you from this episode?
• Are you a caregiver?
• Do you have personal stories or insights you want to share?

Connect with us through comments or social media, email us at [email protected], and check out charlenegarrett.com for more to come!

Stay Connected:

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Engineer

In episode eleven, Charlene Garrett delves into the heart of networking, transforming a seemingly uncomfortable necessity into a powerful tool for creating genuine relationships. She illustrates how maintaining connections can lead to unexpected and life-changing opportunities through personal anecdotes.

Charlene recounts her journey from disliking traditional networking events to appreciating the meaningful connections that have supported her through significant life transitions, including her recent move to northern Kentucky. These stories highlight the essence of networking—not just as a professional skill but as a means to foster long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

The episode emphasizes the concept of "borrowed trust" and the importance of openly expressing needs. Charlene’s personal experiences, from a serendipitous save from an old college friend to landing her first big job at UPS, underscore the transformative potential of reaching out and maintaining connections.

Quote of the Episode:

"Networking is so much more than an event. It's actually about creating genuine relationships, making connections and maintaining them." - Charlene Garrett

Links:

Lee University: https://www.leeuniversity.edu/

Epsilon Lambda Phi: https://www.leeuniversity.edu/student-organizations/profile/?smid=32500

Joann Johnson and UPS: https://about.ups.com/us/en/our-company/great-employer/mother-recruits-all-nine-of-her-children-to-ups.html

Join the Conversation:

• What resonated with you from this episode?
• Do you have personal stories or insights about networking?

Connect with us through comments or social media, email us at [email protected], and check out charlenegarrett.com for more to come!

Stay Connected!

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

In this episode of "The Accidental Mentor," Charlene Garrett dives deep into the complex world of personal boundaries, their origins, and how they impact our lives.

Charlene guides us through understanding the formation of boundaries from our formative years, influenced by family, culture, and personal experiences. This episode tackles the sometimes painful reality of boundaries feeling weaponized and offers insight into fostering healthy relationships while respecting personal limits.

Charlene shares heartfelt anecdotes, including a transformative friendship that exemplifies the delicate balance between personal boundaries and sacrifice. This discussion is a rich exploration of how we navigate, respect, and communicate our boundaries, leading to more fulfilling and respectful relationships.

So, join us for a reflective and insightful episode that challenges us to rethink how we set and perceive boundaries in our lives.

Links:

Social Identity Theory in Psychology article by Saul McLead, PhD

Quote of the Episode:

"Empathy and communication are essential to ensuring that boundaries serve to enhance rather than diminish our interactions with others." - Charlene Garrett

Join the Conversation:

• What resonated with you from this episode?
• Do you have personal stories or insights about boundaries?

Connect with us through comments or social media, email us at [email protected] and check out charlenegarrett.com for more to come!

Keep the Conversation Going, and Stay Connected!

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Engineer

In episode nine, Charlene dives deep into the concept of boundaries and the complexity of trusting both ourselves and others. Through personal anecdotes and insightful data from a survey, Charlene unpacks the multifaceted emotions and thoughts tied to the word "boundaries." It's a reflection on self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the roles our cultural and personal experiences play in shaping our perceptions.

Charlene explores questions like, "Can I trust your yes?" and, more importantly, "Can I trust my own yes?" She outlines her journey in learning to take people at their word while emphasizing the importance of setting one's own boundaries. This episode sets the stage for a rich discussion on the varying views people hold about boundaries and their significance in our lives.

Charlene also reveals interesting survey results, shedding light on why some view boundaries positively while others are more conflicted. By the end of this thought-provoking episode, listeners are invited to reflect on their own boundaries and how they can navigate them more effectively.

Quote of the Episode:

"The only way I can trust your yes is if I can trust your no." - Charlene

Scripture:

“Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”

Matt 5:37 (NLT)

Join the Conversation:

Are you in the positive or negative feeling camp? Go to charlenegarrett.com/blog/mm9 to talk about your thoughts on Boundaries and ask any questions.

Also, we would love your feedback.

• What did you like and want more of?
• What do you want less of?
• What do you want to hear about?

Connect with us through comments, the blog, or social media, email us at [email protected]

Stay Connected:

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Editor

This episode delves into the nuanced differences between mentoring and coaching. Charlene breaks down how these roles intersect and diverge, drawing from her experience in both fields. Throughout our exploration, we also touch upon the roles of counseling, supervising, and consulting, painting a broad picture of how each can play a role in personal and professional development.

Charlene candidly shares personal anecdotes illuminating the unique dynamics of mentoring relationships, contrasting them with her structured approach to coaching. By the end of the episode, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for how these support systems can help uncover potential, nurture growth, and transform lives.

Key Links:

Keith Webb: https://keithwebb.com/about/

Creative Results Management: https://creativeresultsmanagement.com/

Why We Need both Mentors and Coaches - https://creativeresultsmanagement.com/about

Join the Conversation:

Do you have a comment, story, or question? Go to www.charlenegarrett.com/blog/2024/mm8

Stay Connected:

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Engineer

In this episode, Charlene shares a powerful lesson about the impact of small choices and habits on our lives. Drawing from her personal experiences, she emphasizes how the "little foxes" of negative thoughts and actions can spoil the vineyard of our lives, while tiny positive choices can nurture and transform us over time.

Charlene takes us back to her teenage years when she held a clear vision for her future, aspiring to live a life of faith, help others, and leave a positive legacy. Despite her struggles with self-confidence and the craving to feel included, she found herself in a supportive community that fostered her growth.

Through prayer and reflection, Charlene realized that it was the little thoughts and choices she made consistently that defined her life, not just the big, traumatic moments. She learned to capture and replace negative thoughts with truth, a process that took time and perseverance.

Charlene encourages listeners to identify the tiny habits that align with their desired identity and to start implementing them consistently. Whether it's tracking food intake, saving money, or showing gratitude to loved ones, these small actions can yield significant results over time.

As you listen to this episode, reflect on the little things in your life that may be holding you back or propelling you forward. Consider who you want to be and what tiny habits you can start or stop to become that person.

Key Links

• Dr. Caroline Leaf talks about how it is 63 days to build a habit (break down a toxic thought and rebuild a habit). Here is a link to her peer-reviewed research on Habit Formation and Automaticity (in mental health)-  https://www.neuroregulation.org/article/view/23416/14768
• James Clear (Author of Atomic Habits)

Quote of the Episode:

• "It's the little foxes that spoil the vineyard." - Charlene Garrett

What tiny habit are you thinking of starting or stopping to become the person you want to be?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments at charlenegarrett.com/blog/2024/mm7 or connect with us on social media.

Remember, life's lessons often come from the smallest of actions. Embrace these mentor moments and keep reflecting, growing, and mentoring.

Join the Conversation: We would love to hear from you!

Keep the Conversation Going, and Stay Connected!

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Engineer

Today, Charlene shares a life update. She is moving, has some career changes, and updates regarding Season 2 for The Accidental Mentor and the future of this Mentor Minutes series. Thanks for listening and sharing!

Keep the Conversation Going, and Stay Connected!

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Engineer, Visual Design

🎥 Amy Selby - Video Editor

In episode six, Charlene Garrett delves into the intricate and often challenging dynamics between mentors and mentees, particularly when faced with conflicting views or values. Through a poignant personal story from her youth, Charlene illustrates how empathy and effective listening can transform difficult situations into opportunities for growth.

Drawing on research and practical exercises, Charlene offers valuable advice on how mentors can enhance their mental fitness to respond with wisdom and compassion. Whether you're a mentor or mentee, the insights from this episode will resonate and encourage a more empathetic approach to mentoring.

Links:

Dr. Avi Kluger - Listening and Feed Forward

Dr. Jim Wilder - The Life Model

Positive Intelligence - Shirzad Chamine

Join the Conversation:

Do you have a comment, story, or question? Go to www.charlenegarrett.com/blog/2024/mm6

Keep the Conversation Going, and Stay Connected!

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Engineer

In today's episode of the Accidental Mentor Mentor Minutes series, we dive deep into the intricate topic of hearing from God regarding relationships, sparked by Julie's story from episode nine. Host Charlene Garrett explores the nuances, challenges, and profound impacts of discerning God's voice in our lives and guiding others through similar experiences.

Charlene shares insights into recognizing and interpreting signs from God, emphasizing the role of prayer, patience, and wisdom. She underscores the importance of mentors providing non-judgmental support, asking thoughtful questions, and helping individuals develop clarity in their spiritual journey. Through her heartfelt experience, Charlene illustrates how misinterpretations can lead to growth and a deeper connection with God.

As we journey through this thought-provoking episode, Charlene reminds us that hearing from God is a deeply personal process that requires ongoing self-reflection and a clean spiritual filter.

Some Links if You are curious to explore:

Hearing God’s Voice - Keeping up with the Joneses’ podcast.

Mark Virkler - where I learned more about Hearing God’s Voice

Join the Conversation:

Do you have a comment, story, or question? Go to www.charlenegarrett.com/blog/2024/mm5

Stay Connected:

📱 Social Media: https://mtr.bio/the-accidental-mentor

🌐 Web: www.charlenegarrett.com

📨 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Production by FQ Media Group: https://www.fqmediagroup.com/

🎧 AJ Selby - Producer, Audio Engineer