Community Mentors Keep SAP Relevant
Nothing scares me more these days than being irrelevant, so staying relevant is a priority for me, in my personal life and career. At home, my wife and I actively listen to our children at meal time, and try to play as much Minecraft and Pokémon as our time allow so that we can join their conversations. At work, I read blogs on SCN and other online communities, meet up with people I don’t usually work with, and keep adding to my skills inventory.
When individuals take the initiative to develop themselves by learning new skills and paying attention to changes, they create a ripple-effect that benefits their organizations and those around them. This shared-value model (which returns value to both individuals and the community) is especially clear with SCN’s own SAP Mentor Program, whose purpose is to give recognition to top influencers who keep SAP relevant.
SAP Mentors are community influencers who keep SAP relevant.
For those not yet familiar with SAP Mentors, they are a diverse group of subject-matter experts on SCN, who are engaged on a daily basis in learning from others and sharing their own knowledge. However, their influence and reach extends beyond this community, and even beyond the SAP ecosystem. Here are some of the many examples of SAP Mentors creating ripples:
- Tony de Thomasis creatively incorporating SAP technology into his curriculum as a spark to future discoveries and learning by his many university students.
- Susan Keohan challenges the SAP community to support a social cause, while Marilyn Pratt continues to champion this message around the world.
- DJ Adams reminds us that its never too early to engage the next generation, by connecting SAP to a week-long code-fest for kids in England.
I believe the willingness of SAP Mentors to introduce important topics and initiatives keeps our community vibrant and diverse, and extends SAP into countless conversations. Community advocacy programs such as the SAP Mentors Program have the responsibility of keeping community advocates and the host organization engaged and aware of what people care about.
Finally, I want to clarify that relevance is not about popularity, fads or buzz. Rather, it is about being meaningful and making a connection. For example, it doesn’t matter whether or not Minecraft and Pokémon are top selling toys – it’s what my kids care about, and that’s why I should care about it.
(Hand made Herobrine costume, and painted Pokémon images)
How do you stay relevant in your personal life or work?
Hi Jason,
Thanks for the callout. For me, the passion for MSF continues. I wonder if other community members feel the same way? Because we could definitely start up a new 'SAP Community Challenge' as we gear up for TechEd season.
Anybody remember the #SAPCC? Is anybody up for more?
Cheers,
Sue
I'm always up for a community challenge! As long as it's meaningful (and I know you always keep it that way, Sue), our community members are keen to get involved.
Cheers,
Jason
Opening the doors for the world or your ecosystem is the frist step to be relevant.
Listen to people which call for you and make a difference.
All the best!
Thanks Marssel! Opening doors is what our SAP Mentors do best. Sometimes, the conversation topics may be uncomfortable for SAP to hear, however, the organization and especially those in leadership positions do listen. We're counting on Mentors to show their SAP Mentor Magic by providing their critical, yet constructive, voices to the conversations. 🙂
Regards,
Jason
These are indeed just a few of many examples. Unfortunately a lot of work Mentors do happens to be below the radar, but I'd encourage everyone to check the Mentor Blog posts on SCN home page frequently - it's guaranteed quality stuff (as long as it's posted by the actual Mentor and not someone [ab]using the tag).
Jason, maybe we should just connect our kids on Skype, so that they could play Minecraft together? 🙂 Awesome costume, by the way.
Great suggestion Jelena! Following SAP Mentor blogs is a good way to understand what SAP Mentors are doing, and how they think it relates back to you and me in the SAP community.
Thank you - I would love to connect our kids for a Minecraft session together! 😆 I'll check in with them first, and maybe they can set up a 'world' to join. Great suggestion!
Regards,
Jason
'it is about being meaningful and making a connection'. I have highest respect for the unselfish way the Mentors do this. Looking forward meeting the community at TechEd Amsterdam.
Yes, Matthias, I agree that Mentors have a unique quality (altruism, volunteerism?) that many in our community are drawn to. I think it is a leadership behavior - and fortunately, I think it is also rubbing off onto other members of our community. 🙂
Btw, I think you mean TechEd in Barcelona this year, right? 😉
Cheers,
Jason
5 Stars for playing Pokemon with their kids 😀
LOL! Thanks! Too many characters each generation for me to keep up with. Lots of fun though. 😛
Outside of SAP and work, I volunteer in Boy Scout and Order of The Arrow to help and mentor young boys. Nothing is more rewarding to see those little boys to grow up and become responsible young men, productive citizens and possibly our future leaders. 🙂
simon
Hi Simon,
Your spirit of volunteerism and leadership skills are much appreciated in our community! Those boys and young men are lucky to have you as a mentor.
Hi Jason ,
I am from India and i am also excited to read this article.May be we can connect via skype and discuss more 🙂
yes I am very much interested for mentor
Hi Jason
I am looking for a SAP Fiori mentor, can you help me?
Hi Jacinto, glad to hear you're interested in SAP Fiori. Many of our SAP Mentors are very knowledgeable with Fiori. I'm not able to see in your profile where you're located, as this would be helpful from a timezone and communication perspective. Please send me a direct message and we can connect to discuss how we can find a Mentor for your needs.