Insights from the TFB Mentorship Program
Growing up with a primary school teacher as my mom and a strong desire to contribute to the education sector, I applied for the Teach For Bangladesh (TFB) Fellowship program in 2021. I was accepted as a fellow through a four-stage rigorous selection process.
Though I did not participate in the fellowship eventually, I had the pleasure to participate in the pre-fellowship mentorship program for accepted fellows. This program provided me with valuable self-discovery opportunities and helped to shape the person I am today.
The six core values
The fellowship program was centered around the six core values of TFB – integrity, ownership, interdependence, continuous learning sense of possibilities and respect and empathy. I was lucky to have Jahed bhai as my mentor who is a very generous and helpful person.
In this article, I will briefly share with you each of the core values I gained a deeper understanding of during the mentorship program.
Integrity
Integrity is the quality of being honest, having strong moral principles and being consistent with what one believes. It is the foundation of trust and respect in any relationship, personal or professional. It is the inner sense of honesty and responsibility that guides an individual’s actions and decisions.
A person of integrity is known for their honesty, fairness and consistency in behavior, which in turn earns them the trust and respect of those around them. If an individual does not possess integrity, they may struggle to build trust among others which negatively impacts their life.
Ownership
Ownership is closely related to integrity. Before the mentorship session where ‘ownership’ was discussed, I didn’t have any idea about it. However, after the session, I realized how important ownership is for anyone.
Ownership refers to the sense of responsibility for one’s actions. When an individual possesses a sense of ownership, they feel a sense of accountability for their work and the outcomes of their actions. They are not afraid to take calculated risks and are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure success.
In teamwork, ownership is vital for effective collaboration and cooperation. Team members who take ownership of their roles and responsibilities contribute to the overall success of the team. They understand that the success of the team is not the responsibility of one person alone, but the collective responsibility of all team members.
Interdependence
Interdependence means being dependent not on others, but on one another. Interdependence is at the core of any relationship or network as it is inevitable for the sustenance of the human species.
It is the mutual reliance and cooperation among individuals, groups, or organizations. It simply means that no one can achieve success alone and that the success of one is connected to the success of others. This core value emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork, and it is closely related to the value of ownership.
Individuals who realize the importance of the value of interdependence are willing to lend their support and expertise to others in order to achieve common goals. They understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Continuous learning
Continuous learning implies the fact that we can acquire new knowledge and skills from anyone and at any time. It is the belief that learning is a lifelong process, and that one should continually strive to improve themselves and their abilities.
Individuals who are an enthusiast of continuous learning acknowledge that the process of gaining knowledge and skills is ongoing, and they are dedicated to constantly enhancing themselves and their capabilities. They possess a curious and receptive attitude, actively seeking new information and experiences.
Sense of possibilities
The sense of possibilities refers to the attitude of seeing opportunities and potential in all things. When you possess a sense of possibilities, you believe that you can achieve anything and you are not limited by your current circumstances.
This sense of possibilities helps people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. They are optimistic and have a positive outlook on life, they believe that anything is achievable with hard work and determination. It is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
Respect and empathy
Respect and empathy are closely related values that are essential for building positive relationships with others. Respect refers to the ability to acknowledge the worth and value of others, and to treat them with consideration and dignity. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, to put oneself in their shoes and to respond to their needs.
Individuals who possess the values of respect and empathy understand that every person is unique, and they value the diversity of perspectives and experiences. They are willing to listen and understand the point of view of others, even if they disagree. They are also able to communicate in a way that is sensitive and considerate, and they avoid actions that might be seen as disrespectful or hurtful.
Wrapping up
The mentorship program provided valuable insights into the importance of core values in action. Through the program, I got to know how essential these six values are for personal and professional growth. These values are closely related to each other and are the foundation of trust, respect and effective growth.
They are also vital for leadership, as they inspire individuals to take responsibility, collaborate, and continuously improve themselves and their abilities. These values are not only important for achieving success, but also for building a better world for everyone. I am personally committed to carrying these values with me for good.
