Learning Beyond Imitation: The Way of Mentoring
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, regarded imitation as one of the distinctive aspects of human nature. According to him, human beings are the most imitative creatures in the world and learn by imitation at first.
The scientific community has contrasting opinions on whether imitation is innate as a form of learning. Some see the presence of mirror neurons in our brains as evidence that we are biologically predisposed to imitation, while others argue that it is a skill acquired in the first months of life.
Regardless of the debate among scientists on its innate nature, imitation is a primary form of learning. You most probably have seen the famous campaign launched in 2006 by NAPCAN, an organization that prevents child abuse and neglect. The video aims to raise awareness in adults about the power of imitation.
Why do adults resort to imitation so quickly?
I ask myself this question every time I see articles and books that invite us to mimic successful people’s choices, actions, and habits to achieve the same results. Obviously, it is not so straightforward; otherwise, we would all be successful. Yet, so many are lured by the promise of success through imitation.
By three methods, we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest. — Confucius
As Confucius reminds us, imitation is the easiest form of learning and, therefore, the most natural way to quickly acquire the skills we need to survive in a new reality, as is the case for a newborn.
However, to grow beyond survival and fulfil our potential, imitation is no longer enough. We need to use experience and reflection, which challenge us in many ways.
How do we go beyond imitation?
One of the reasons we so often resort to imitation is because we lack self-confidence.
Imitation is the sincerest form of insecurity. — Polly Bergen
Insecurity reduces the propensity to take risks for fear of failure and leads to over-reliance on the opinions of others to define one’s actions. These two behaviours starkly contrast with the two methods that Confucius suggests are necessary to grow and acquire wisdom: the need to gain experience (the third, most bitter way) and reflect (the first, noblest way).
Mentoring can help immensely.
In fact, the mentoring relationship offers both mentor and mentee a significant opportunity to develop self-esteem and confidence in their abilities to overcome the limits of imitation.
Furthermore, in the mentoring relationship, the mentee has the unique opportunity to reflect, with the mentor’s help, on both their own experiences and those of the mentor, accelerating the process towards wisdom and, potentially, making the learning journey less bitter.
A mentor serves two fundamental functions: a formative and a motivational one. The latter, in particular, makes the mentor a role model capable of inspiring the mentee to identify their unique talents and pursue their personal and professional goals. The mentor can then motivate and inspire the mentee to go beyond motivation, finding their own way of realizing their objectives.
The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own. — Benjamin Disraeli
Are you ready to embrace mentoring? To learn more about becoming a gift in someone else's life, visit our Academy website or email us at info@mentorlabgroup.com.
