Spirit of Mentorship: Birthing ethical, trained, inspired and groomed leaders

Mentorship is a timeless leadership principle that shapes individuals, transforms institutions and sustains vision across generations. At its core, mentorship goes beyond offering advice or inspiration; it is the intentional development of character, competence and clarity of purpose in another person.

Across history, some of the most effective leadership transitions and movements were not accidental; they were the result of intentional mentoring relationships. The same principles that worked then remain highly relevant in today’s corporate, organisational and leadership environments.

Mentor vs. Role model

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different leadership functions.

A mentor is actively involved in a developmental relationship. Mentorship includes structured guidance, regular feedback, coaching conversations, performance evaluation, accountability and strategic exposure

A role model, on the other hand, influences primarily through example. The relationship may be indirect or even distant. Individuals learn from a role model’s values, decisions, achievements or published resources, but there is no structured engagement, feedback loop or personal accountability. Both are valuable, but mentorship is relational and developmental, while role modelling is observational and inspirational.

Mentorship as intentional leadership development

Mentorship, as demonstrated in biblical leadership relationships, was relational, immersive and transformational. It involved close working relationships, real-time coaching, exposure to decision-making processes and progressive delegation of responsibility. These are the same principles used today in leadership development programmes, executive coaching and succession planning.

1. Jesus and His disciples

Jesus developed His disciples through close relationship, continuous coaching, correction and hands-on exposure. They learnt not only through instruction, but through observation, participation and reflection. Over time, responsibility was transferred to them, enabling them to lead, influence and reproduce leadership in others.

2. Elijah and Elisha

Elijah’s relationship with Elisha reflects succession planning and leadership continuity. Elisha followed closely, observed leadership under pressure, learnt how to navigate crises and demonstrated loyalty and teachability. Authority and responsibility were transferred intentionally, not abruptly.

3. Paul and Timothy

Paul mentored Timothy through a balance of instruction and delegated responsibility. Timothy was trusted with leadership roles, guided through feedback and supported as he matured into a capable leader.

Mentorship in Ghana’s corporate and leadership landscape

Mentorship is already shaping leadership in Ghana’s corporate and civic spaces through intentional investment by seasoned leaders.

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, founder of Groupe Nduom, has consistently mentored young entrepreneurs and SME founders. Through fora, leadership platforms and personal counsel, he has helped emerging leaders develop strategic thinking, ethical business practices and long-term vision—key competencies for sustainable enterprise growth.

Sir Sam Jonah, former CEO of Ashanti Goldfields and current Chairman of Jonah Capital, continues to influence leadership across sectors. Through advisory relationships and board-level engagement, he has mentored senior executives, modelling resilience, strategic governance and ethical excellence. His influence spans mining, finance and policy environments.

Lucy Quist, CEO of Quist Blue Diamond and former Head of Vodafone Ghana, has invested significantly in emerging leaders across technology and corporate sectors. Her mentorship emphasises strategic leadership, performance excellence, inclusive growth and global competitiveness.

Similarly, Ellen Hagan, CEO of L’ainé Group and a respected entrepreneur, has mentored young professionals and business leaders, focusing on leadership confidence, operational excellence and purpose-driven enterprise.

Mentorship remains one of the most powerful tools for leadership development. Whether in biblical history or modern corporate environments, the principle is the same: leaders are not born ready; they are developed intentionally. Through relationship, coaching, exposure and responsibility, mentorship ensures the continuity of vision, values and excellence, building leaders who are prepared not just to succeed, but to sustain impact.

>>>Samuel Agyeman-Prempeh is a Publishing Consultant, Professional Ghostwriter, Licensed Counselor and IAPPD Certified Professional Trainer

[email protected]

 

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