When You Mentor Others, Is This Your Goal?

A post by the brilliant and talented former real estate magnate, now ABC’s Shark Tank panelist and investor Barbara Corcoran, reads…

“Mentors are overrated. I’ve been a mentor to more than 70 businesses I’ve invested in on Shark Tank, and the most successful listen and then do what they please.”

Surprising to read that.

Oh, just to clarify, what surprises me is *not* the part that says, “the most successful listen and then do what they please.”

I would expect that. I would *hope* that!

No, what surprises me is her belief that because of that, “Mentors are overrated.”

In my opinion (while recognizing the fact that she has more business acumen and leadership ability in her little finger than I have in my entire body), the fact that her most successful protégés listen to her (and — I assume — pay close attention to her counsel) and then ultimately make their own decisions takes nothing away from the value of her mentorship.

If she expected them to simply do whatever she told them to do, she would not be their mentor…she would be their boss! And probably not a very effective one.

In reality...

Key Point: The best mentors advise, guide, challenge, and sometimes even directly coach. But their ultimate desire is for their protégé to be independent and able to succeed without them.

I personally don’t see anything overrated about that.

Today’s Exercise: Think back on the mentors you’ve had, as well as the people you’ve mentored, and consider what you feel were the most effective and fulfilling aspects of those relationships.

Genuine Influence: The Go-Giver Way

In a world shaped by AI and increasing commoditization, the greatest competitive advantage remains the human connection.

When your team knows how to communicate with empathy, emotional mastery, and value-based influence, they don’t just sell more — they build trust, inspire loyalty, and create sustainable profitability.

If you’d like your team to master these timeless, high-impact people skills, let’s connect about your next company conference or team meeting.

Feel welcome to visit burg.com, then call 561-575-2114 or email speaking@burg.com.