14 Valuable Lessons From Mentors That Shape Leadership Styles

Drawing on the wisdom of seasoned leaders, we've gathered fourteen invaluable lessons from mentors that have profoundly influenced today's management styles. Featuring insights from CEOs and managing directors, our contributors share experiences ranging from the importance of leading by personal example to the power of empowering team decision-making.

• Lead by Personal Example
• Understand Cultural Communication
• Build Up Your Team
• Embrace Patience and Steady Progress
• Inspect for Effective Team Performance
• Demonstrate Authentic Leadership
• Foster Innovation with Supportive Leadership
• Prioritize Clear Communication
• Avoid Micromanagement
• Listen Before Speaking
• Lead with Humility
• Empathize for a Supportive Environment
• Listen More to Understand Better
• Empower Team Decision-Making

Lead by Personal Example

“Don't ask someone else to do something you wouldn't do yourself.” This lesson came from my first manager in HR, who has now been my mentor for 25 years. She said this to me as she was taking out her office trash. It really stuck with me and I still reflect on this lesson as I ask my team members to complete tasks.

Amanda Haddaway, Managing Director, HR Answerbox

Understand Cultural Communication

In my fourth month working in a multicultural environment, my boss (and mentor) pulled me aside and quietly mentioned, “Steven, not everyone shares your sense of humor.” He then pointed out two things I had said in meetings that I thought were humorous, but that had fallen flat with our colleagues.

It was a great lesson in being more aware of cultural differences and in communicating more effectively across cultures.

Steven Howard, Leadership Mentor | Author, Caliente Leadership

Build Up Your Team

The most important leadership lesson I learned from a mentor was to build people up. We all know our people can achieve more than they believe they can achieve. Show them the vision you have for what they can become and what they can accomplish: a vision you may have helped to instill but one you’ve worked out with them so it encompasses their hopes and dreams. If they think you have a high opinion of them, it’s amazing what they will do to maintain that opinion. And the more they respect you, the harder they will work to hang on to your regard.

Barry Maher, Principal, Barry Maher & Associates

Embrace Patience and Steady Progress

The most valuable lesson I learned from my mentor, Pratik Kanada, was to be patient, consistent, and focus on slow and steady progress instead of trying to achieve fast, big results. This advice has changed how I lead. Now, I stay calm and composed, avoiding impatience or rushing. I’ve realized that real growth takes time, and steady progress is better in the long run. This has helped me lead my team with confidence, without putting unnecessary pressure on them.

Bhavik Sarkhedi, Founder & Creative Director, Ohh My Brand

Inspect for Effective Team Performance

One business measurement lesson I learned the hard way was how to effectively measure my team's performance. Early in my career as a manager, the conventional wisdom (that many still swear by today) was to hire smart people and get out of their way. I got the first part right (hiring smart people), but I did not follow through to ensure they knew how to do their job and had the support they needed to be successful. Most importantly, I managed by instinct and perception, which became deadly. 

Years later, my EO mentor advised me to “inspect, do not expect.” I immediately instituted a weekly status update, including goals for the coming week and an update on goals from the previous week. It has helped me appreciate what my executive team could accomplish, where they needed support, and how often they got sidetracked by unanticipated emergencies, burned out in their roles, or elected to leave instead of fail. The employee turnover led to client turnover and cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars over a three-year period. Once implemented, however, my employee engagement and retention soared.

Kent Lewis, Founder, pdxMindShare

Demonstrate Authentic Leadership

The most valuable lesson I learned from a mentor was the importance of leading by example. My mentor emphasized that true leadership is demonstrated through actions rather than just words. By embodying the values and work ethic you expect from your team, you inspire and motivate them to follow suit.

This lesson has profoundly shaped my leadership style by reinforcing the need for authenticity and integrity in my actions. It encouraged me to consistently model the behavior I wish to see, whether it's in commitment, communication, or problem-solving. This approach not only builds trust and respect but also fosters a strong, cohesive team culture where everyone is aligned with the organization's values and goals.

Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House

Foster Innovation with Supportive Leadership

Relocating from the bustling New York region to our Boston headquarters was a significant shift in my career, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. I had just accepted a major promotion to a newly-created role, reporting directly to the president of the sales and distribution company where I had already spent a considerable part of my career. 

In my first meeting with the president, he acknowledged the challenges I would face stepping into this unprecedented position. He warned that the path ahead would be fraught with difficulties, potential mistakes, and perhaps even opposition. Nervously, I assured him of my commitment to the role and to the company, emphasizing my intention to avoid any missteps. His response was a defining moment in my career.

With a warm smile, he said, "As long as you and I share the vision for this company's future, I will back you 150%, no matter what happens—and something always does." His words weren't just reassuring; they were empowering.

This unconditional support gave me the confidence to take calculated risks, drive innovation, and push for disruptive changes. It allowed me to embrace uncertainty, learn from fast failures, and turn challenges into opportunities. The president's trust and forward-thinking leadership style were instrumental in my ability to thrive in this new role and contribute to the company's growth.

The leadership lessons I learned from him—particularly the importance of trust, courage, and a shared vision—remain some of the most valuable in my career. This experience underscored the power of supportive leadership in fostering an environment where innovation and growth can flourish.

In today's fast-paced business world, leaders who inspire confidence and encourage calculated risk-taking are not just appreciated—they are essential. This experience not only shaped my career but also provided a blueprint for how leaders can empower their teams to achieve extraordinary results.

Mary Cioffi, Executive Coach, Mary Cioffi Executive Coaching Services

Prioritize Clear Communication

One of the most valuable lessons I learned came from my time as a Senior CPA at Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld. My mentor there taught me the importance of clear communication, especially when things are complex or technical.

This lesson has shaped how I lead my team now. IT and cybersecurity can be confusing for many clients, but I prioritize breaking things down into simple terms. Whether explaining compliance audits or helping someone over the phone, I focus on making sure the message is clear and approachable.

That experience taught me that leading a team isn't just about being the expert. It's about being able to connect with people and make them feel heard and understood. This approach has helped me build long-term client relationships and kept my team engaged.

Konrad Martin, CEO, Tech Advisors

Avoid Micromanagement

The most important lesson I learned from a mentor is how micromanaging is so destructive. Early in my career, I felt the need to be involved in every decision, thinking it would make things run smoothly. My mentor helped me understand that it is more productive to trust your team more and provide support only when they require it.

I've come to see that this approach makes workers more confident and allows me to focus on other areas of the business. To be fair, employees will still make mistakes in some instances, but they should be allowed to make them as long as they can be rectified.

Danilo Miranda, Managing Director, Presenteverso

Listen Before Speaking

One of the most valuable lessons that I learned from a mentor was the importance of hearing the other side before stating what one has to say. My mentor taught me that it can be well worth taking the time to listen to people if you want to properly comprehend their views, problems, and suggestions.

This lesson has had a tremendous impact on my leadership. I have always made it a concern to ensure that my team knows their opinions matter. I ensure that I am able to help them effectively, make good decisions, and bring out creativity by encouraging them to speak out freely. It has also enabled me to have a good bond with my team, enhancing trust, cooperation, and output. With this approach, leadership involves assigning tasks in such a way that every stakeholder is at their optimum performance level rather than issuing commands.

Khurram Mir, Founder, Kualitee

Lead with Humility

The most valuable lesson I learned from a mentor was the importance of humility in leadership. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work closely with a mentor who emphasized the need to stay grounded, regardless of success. He taught me that true leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room, but about empowering those around you to reach their full potential. This lesson profoundly shaped my approach to leadership. 

This perspective has helped me foster a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. By leading with humility, I've been able to create strong, trusting relationships with my team, which has been crucial in navigating challenges and driving our company's growth. It's not about leading with authority, but with empathy, making sure that my decisions reflect the collective wisdom of the team rather than just my own. This approach has not only shaped our company's success but has also allowed me to grow continuously as a leader.

Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost

Empathize for a Supportive Environment

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my mentor was the importance of empathy in leadership. I remember her telling me, “People work with you, not for you,” and that stuck with me. As a florist with over 10 years of experience, I’ve worked with a lot of different personalities, from suppliers to team members, and I’ve found that understanding where they’re coming from and making them feel valued is key to building a supportive work environment. By focusing on empathy, I’ve created a team dynamic where everyone feels heard and empowered to bring their ideas forward, which has greatly impacted the creativity we bring to our floral designs and overall service.

This approach has really shaped my leadership style, as I try to lead with kindness and flexibility. I’ve learned that when you invest in people’s well-being and make them feel appreciated, they’re more likely to go the extra mile. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about creating an environment where everyone thrives and feels proud of their contributions. In our little flower shop, this has translated into a more collaborative space where everyone’s passion for flowers shines through in the work we do.

Sophie Marasco, Founder, Thanks A Bunch Florist

Listen More to Understand Better

The importance of listening more than speaking—this was the most valuable lesson I learned from a mentor. It's shaped my leadership style by making me more attentive. I actively listen to everyone around me. Listening instead of speaking helps me better understand problems. It's also useful for gathering feedback. I learn more from listening than from speaking. Basically, I want everyone to feel free to share their ideas. It promotes creativity and innovation. If you don't listen to others, you miss out on some great suggestions.

Dan Brown, CEO & Founder, Textun

Empower Team Decision-Making

The importance of empowering my team to take ownership and make decisions cannot be overstated. It taught me that real leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about trusting and supporting those around you. By allowing my team the space to grow and lead, I've seen them rise to challenges in ways that constantly inspire me. This approach has created a culture of collaboration, where every voice is valued, and solutions come from all levels of the organization. It's made us not only stronger as individuals but more adaptable and effective as a company.

Michelle Penczak, CEO & Co-founder, Squared Away