Never walk alone in leadership

By Cliff Chiduku | 2h ago | 5 Min read

leadership

Football is more than just a game; it is about passion, history and unity. As a Chelsea fan, I cannot help but admire the powerful message behind Liverpool’s motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” This phrase, synonymous with the club’s identity, carries a profound message not just for football fans, but for leaders in any field.

It is an anthem that resonates deeply, symbolising solidarity and support — it connects people and inspires a sense of community.

In leadership, the sentiment is just as relevant — leaders, no matter how capable or visionary, do not and should not walk alone.

Behind every successful leader, at the base of every great story, there is a circle of trusted advisers and mentors. As the anonymous quote wisely states: “Behind every great leader, at the base of every great tale of success, you will find an indispensable circle of trusted advisers and mentors.”

Mentorship in leadership is not just a support system; it is the scaffolding upon which great leaders build their legacy.

Leaders often operate under the weight of high expectations and the pressures of making crucial decisions, motivating teams and steering organisations towards success can be overwhelming. This is why mentorship is so vital — it provides leaders with the guidance, wisdom and perspective they need to thrive.

Just like how a football manager leans on assistant coaches or experienced players to build a winning team, a leader relies on their mentors to help them to navigate the complexities of leadership.

One of the best examples of mentorship in leadership can be seen in the relationship between Steve Jobs (may his soul rest in peace), co-founder of Apple and Mike Markkula, an early investor and mentor.

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Markkula’s influence was pivotal in shaping Jobs into the leader he became. At a crucial moment in Apple’s early history, when the company was in its infancy and struggling to find direction, Markkula stepped in to guide Jobs. Markkula, a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep understanding of business strategy, provided the young Jobs with insights that not only helped Apple to avoid several early missteps but also set the stage for its transformation into one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Markkula’s mentorship was not simply transactional; it was transformational. He understood that Jobs had exceptional creative vision but needed guidance in leadership and decision-making. He helped Jobs to refine his ability to manage people, navigate the complexities of running a business and think strategically. He also offered Jobs the crucial perspective that, despite his genius, he needed to learn to collaborate, build strong teams and make tough, often unpopular decisions. It was this mentorship that helped Jobs to become the visionary leader who revolutionised the tech industry.

Jobs himself later acknowledged how formative Markkula’s mentorship was to his success. In fact, Markkula was not just a mentor, he became a trusted adviser throughout Jobs’ career, offering support during the highs and lows. This relationship between mentor and mentee shows that leadership is not about solitary genius but about cultivating the wisdom and perspectives of others. Jobs’ success was not a product of his isolated brilliance but a reflection of the invaluable guidance he received from someone who believed in his potential and helped him to hone his leadership skills.

This example highlights one of the most powerful aspects of mentorship in leadership: the ability to bridge gaps in experience. No leader, no matter how skilled, can possess all the knowledge required to succeed in every aspect of leadership. Mentors bring different experiences to the table, offering insights that a leader may not have otherwise encountered. This diversity of thought helps leaders to make well-rounded decisions and avoid common mistakes that can derail their progress. Mentorship is also a powerful tool for emotional support and resilience. The journey of leadership is often fraught with challenges — moments of failure, doubts, and difficult decisions.

Mentorship provide a safe space where leaders can express their frustrations and concerns, knowing that their mentor has the experience to offer guidance or simply lend a listening ear. In this way, mentors help to build emotional resilience in their mentees, ensuring that they do not buckle under pressure but instead use adversity as a stepping stone for growth.

But mentorship is not just about advice or emotional support, it is about accountability and growth. A good mentor challenges their mentee to strive for greatness, pushing them to surpass their comfort zone and grow both professionally and personally. Accountability is crucial because it encourages leaders to stay true to their values while also seeking continuous improvement. A mentor holds up a mirror, showing the leader where they need to improve and what areas need refinement.

For this mentorship dynamic to work, trust and mutual respect are fundamental. It is not a one-way relationship where the mentor simply imparts knowledge; instead, it is a partnership based on open communication and shared goals. Both the mentor and mentee must be steeped in the relationship for it to be effective. Mentorship is not a passive experience — it requires active participation, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn from each other.

One of the key benefits of mentorship is that it allows leaders to give back. Once a leader has been mentored and has grown into a more effective, confident individual, they are able to mentor others. This perpetuates the cycle of learning and development, allowing the values of mentorship to extend throughout an organisation or even across industries.

Great leaders are also great mentors and they understand the importance of helping others in their journey to the top. This culture of mentorship strengthens organisations and communities, ensuring that leadership is shared, collaborative and sustainable.

In conclusion, in leadership, as in life, we should never walk alone. Mentorship is not a sign of weakness or dependence but a powerful tool for growth and success. It provides leaders with the wisdom, emotional support and accountability they need to make informed decisions and lead effectively.

The Jobs and Markkula example reminds us that even the most brilliant leaders benefit from the guidance of trusted mentors. Mentorship is a cornerstone of leadership development, one that shapes not only individuals but also entire organisations. In leadership, walking with others is not a luxury — it is a necessity for lasting success.

Cliff Chiduku is the director of marketing, information and public relations at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences in Mutare. He writes here in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on [email protected] or call/app +263775716517.