You're seeking guidance on corporate social responsibility. Who can help you find a mentor?

Finding a mentor in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be valuable for gaining insights, guidance, and support in navigating this complex and evolving area of business. In my experience, effective way to find a mentor are: 1. Professional Associations and Networks: Explore professional associations and networks focused on CSR, sustainability, and social impact. 2. Corporate CSR Programs: Many large corporations have established CSR programs and initiatives with a focus on mentorship and professional development. 3. Business Schools and Universities: Consider reaching out to business schools, universities, and academic institutions with programs or centers focused on CSR and sustainability.

As CSR is a very broad area with numerous topics, it makes sense in my opinion to initially focus on a few specific areas and accordingly choose a suitable mentor for that area in the first step. For example, if one wants to improve in the areas of equal pay and diversity, then an expert in carbon footprint may be less helpful in this area compared to when one wants to address their carbon footprint.

CSR is much unexploited area of business and/or social domain. It might be a mentor that can help identify a new area for a business to grow. A leader has a wide choice of new approaches to CSR. If a leader wants to identify new possibilities to grow or improve their business reputation, brand, and value then with that aim a search for a mentor can begin.

To find a mentor in corporate social responsibility (CSR): - Explore CSR or sustainability associations for mentorship programs. - Attend CSR events to connect with experienced professionals. - Use LinkedIn to connect with CSR professionals and join relevant groups. - Attend CSR events for networking and mentorship opportunities. - Tap into alumni networks for CSR mentorship. - Reach out to CSR consultancies for potential mentors. - Engage with CSR thought leaders on social media. - Participate in online CSR communities for mentorship connections. - Explore platforms like MentorCity or SCORE for CSR mentorship. - Check if larger corporations with CSR programs offer mentorship initiatives.

CSR is about responsibility, which belongs to the scope of higher values. Only a mentor with access to higher values can be supportive in a CSR challenge. Benchmarking is not about creating new competitive advantages, it is about finding new ways to match a standard. A mentor with access to higher values can open doors to new possibilities and unexplored areas of CSR. Access to higher values depends on the level of personal development, ability to see the big picture (strategic thinking), and ability to apply logical and emotional reasoning. Responsibility cannot exclude any of those spheres of human beings since it is to be a generalist feature of a business that connects with the world.

Trust and respect belong to higher values and have very little to do with compliance, but if there is trust and respect compliance is a derivative. Responsibility of a mentor who is able to advice on CSR would not allow to help someone who does not understand how the higher values work, because consequences of failure would radiate on that mentor. So, why is CSR so often treated like a banner that should be on a website, or in a press-release, or on the Workplace for staff? Establishing a relationship with a mentor in CSR can be challenging for those who are very practical and focused on tangible values. CSR is still an area for business growth that can bring a lot of satisfaction and success.

Leadership is about showing a way or finding new paths and CSR is its essence. Especially in times of a crisis (change) responsibility of a leader is the most influencing factor, which supports the followers (no need to push anything on anybody) and if aligned with a feature of CSR it multiplies its effect. People can develop trust - as a leader you can tell how much that value can ease a crisis. Personal development can be a challenge but it brings more of personal freedom in the end. A relationship with a mentor, which is based on personal freedom on both sides is special in the world of material values and so much advertised compliance that promotes hierarchy, structures, and control (safety). A paradox is wonderful when seen through.

A relationship with a mentor who is able to support in the field of CSR can be a lifetime value for personal benefits and business growth. Thankfulness is also a higher value and flows both ways in such a relationship. I strongly advise to find out why.