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It is said "Behind every great leader is a great mentor”. Along with her strong leadership skills, Marian Anderson has been a mentor to staff, providing advice and guidance in helping them achieve their career goals. Marian has worked throughout her career to foster an environment that promotes the development and success of her various teams. She encourages people to take control of their own destiny and consistently asks, "What can I do to help”. Her contributions go well beyond those who have worked with her directly, because her influence on them has had a ripple effect as they also influence others. Marian’s approach to her long standing coaching program involves stages of establishment, progress review through regular meetings, and goal setting. She identifies people’s career aspirations and then works with them not only so that they can succeed in their current role but also to prepare them for their next position. Her fundamental approach is to give credit for success to the team while never assigning blame, assuming responsibility herself, instead. In 2001, Marian was invited by the President of MTS to participate as a member of the Gender Diversity Committee – created to ensure that development and advancement practices are equitable and based on merit. As a part of the Gender Diversity initiative, Marian worked to develop a "group mentoring” program at MTS. Initially called Leaders Developing Leaders and now called Emerging Leaders, the program has evolved from focusing on existing Front Line Managers to focusing on people who aspire to be Front Line Managers. She also participates as a mentor for the Mid Level Development program which is an ongoing initiative intended to assist women in preparing for roles as Middle Managers. As a result of her reputation as a respected mentor, she is often called by various people for informal mentoring sessions. She serves as a role model to innumerable women in the organization through simply her words and action. Her leadership shines through the comments provided by fellow employees: "(Marian has an) unequalled ability to simplify the complex, clarify the confusing, fight for what is right, all the while caring deeply for the people within our organization . . . " "(Marian has earned an) impeccable reputation” within MTS Allstream by being a fearless leader; not afraid to speak her mind even in the face of adversity . . . and through kindness and attention to the "little things", such as remembering staff names, caring about personal situations, as well as work successes and challenges . . .” "She treats everyone with the same level of respect . . . you feel important when she speaks with you . . . she listens - intently and genuinely . . . she formulates an opinion and provides advice and encouragement . . . listens to an opposing view or concept . . . never shys away from difficult discussions . . ." Marian was also a nominee for the Canadian Women in Communication Mentor of the Year award. |