All Jedi Knights Need a Yoda

The Value of Mentorship

“Always pass on what you have learned” - Yoda

Why was Yoda such an incredible mentor to Luke Skywalker? Quite simply, despite his vast knowledge of the universe, his focused attention was not on himself, but on helping young Jedi Knights achieve their immense potential. A former leader of the Jedi High Council, Yoda was a mentor to young Jedis, and he eventually passed on the Jedi tradition to Luke Skywalker unlocking the path to immortality.

Recently, I attended a colleague’s retirement party. When I entered the catering hall, I immediately ran into so many men and women who had spanned my own career and were there to honor the career of this retiree. Some were the senior leaders who I had looked up to as a young trooper and who had mentored me. Some were former subordinates that I may have contributed in some small way to their careers. Most however, were former peers who I had shared experiences with over my years of service. Experiences, that forged our individual development as cops, crimefighters, and commanders.

Yet, while the Yoda that I was thinking of was not in attendance, his Force was truly felt not only by me, but by many of the Jedis in the room who had been inspired by his vision and from that foresight became better leaders and crime fighters.

In fact, so many of the attendees - to include the honoree - were all acolytes of the Yoda held in my mind’s eye. A legendary Jedi Master, a former law enforcement leader in his own right, short in stature - long on vision. A mentor who got us to think and act together to develop sustainable strategies to expand crime gun intelligence to the levels needed to bring justice to victims of gun related violence, resolution to their families, and peace to their impacted communities.

Meeting Yoda

In 2013, I met this Yoda — Pete, a former Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). He reached out to me when he heard New Jersey had passed the country’s first law that focused on the rapid collection and analysis of information related to crime guns.

As an international thought leader in the area of gun crime, Pete’s good counsel allowed the New Jersey State Police to challenge its status quo, and develop sustainable processes designed to wring crime guns dry of the valuable evidence and information they hold. Pete’s continued counsel over the past 10 years has enabled me and so many in the national law enforcement community to develop the mindfulness needed to create effective violence reduction programs for solving crime, designing strategies, and seek justice for victims.

Channeling “The Force”

Looking around the room, I could not help but appreciate the value that mentors had over the careers of those they inspired and nurtured.

It was a stark reminder that everyone serious about their careers can benefit from a mentor as they navigate along their paths. The value of a master teacher that can help us flatten learning curves, educate us on accepting feedback, direct us in unfamiliar territory, and most importantly, shepherd us on to becoming Jedis.

No one would argue that Skywalker had the innate capacity to become a Jedi, but if not for Yoda, Luke’s knowledge, skills, and abilities would have never connected him to The Force, or worse yet, he may have instead found the “Dark Side.”

While it is easy to understand the value of a mentor in one’s career, let’s look at some other factors to consider before entering into a relationship with a mentor.

One mentor can lead up a step to another — When Luke Skywalker arrived on Dagobah to seek Yoda’s guidance he did so after being directed to do so by Obi Wan Kenobi. Throughout my career I would inevitably adopt thenetworks of my mentors, which always led to future opportunities for other mentors to come into my life.

Your mentor may test your metal — Yoda did not first identify himself to Skywalker and instead tested Luke’spatience, in an attempt to agitate him. It’s important to recognize upfront that your mentor is not there to be your friend and tell you what you want to hear. Instead, a good mentor will challenge you to move out of your comfort zone.

Judge your mentor by substance not flash — Luke was surprised when he learned that such a small creature was in fact an all-powerful Jedi Master. Remember, a good mentor is one that is field-proven and can challenge you in terms of how you want to see yourself in the future. Don’t get caught up in thinking that popularity will make someone a good mentor.

Your mentor gets to pick too — Yoda was at first disinclined to teach Luke the ways of The Force because of the boy’s recklessness, until Obi-Wan intercedes. You shouldn’t be surprised to find that your potential mentor may be sizing you up as well. Are you a good fit? Are you worth the time?

Your mentor should be able to tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly — Yoda informs Luke that even though he has completed his training, he cannot become a Jedi until he confronts Darth Vader. Communication is an essential ingredient of a mentor/mentored relationship, but more specifically, the ability for a mentor to provide insight into areas that are uncomfortable is crucial.

There is always another star like you waiting in the wings — Yoda confirms that Vader is Luke’s father, something Vader had told Luke previously. Before Yoda dies, he tells Luke that “there is another Skywalker”. Obi-Wan’s ghost helps Luke understand that the “other” of whom Yoda spoke is his sister, Princess Leia. This is such an important aspect to mentoring. Once you reap the benefits and rewards of being mentored you will hopefully return the favor in the future byacting as someone else’s mentor. The power of mentoring can only be realized when it is exercised and paid forward.

How Did They Get There?

When I look back on the careers of others filled with accomplishment and expertise, I am reminded that it had to be the assortment of mentors that made contributions to make it all possible for them along the way.

Mentors come in all different shapes and sizes, and each one of them enters into our lives at different times, butcollectively they are the ones that can be credited for cultivating the growth of individuals.

Find your Yoda. Listen and learn. Do what it takes to transform yourself into that desired future state of being. Confront your Darth Vaders, and always understand that it’s not just about you, since there will always be another Skywalker out there waiting in the wings.

Afterword

As the story goes, the Star Wars Yoda passed on the Jedi tradition to Luke Skywalker unlocking his path to immortality. While your Yoda may not be so powerful, nor you be so fortunate, your Yoda can help unlock the path to a successful and rewarding career benefiting yourself, your family, and those you serve.

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*This is an updated revision to blog post that originally appeared in the Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute blog in May of 2019. URL link to the blog no longer works.