"Strive for mediocrity" probably isn't the advice you want your company's mentors giving to new hires.

But without a proper understanding of mentorship, your mentors may—wittingly or unwittingly—be setting future talent up for years of apathy and mediocrity.

So, take a moment during the final few days of National Mentoring Month to check out this mentor-inspired episode of The Energy Detox, which covers:

1 - The key distinctions between mentoring, advising, and coaching;

2 - Why consciously choosing to wear your mentor, advisor, or coach hat matters; and

3 - How quantifying the value of "squishy" things like mentorship and in-person work can create measurable advantages for you and your organization.

Notre Dame hasn’t beaten Ohio State since 1936!

But ND did score a big victory over OSU in a 1960s recruiting battle that not only brought All-American receiver Thom Gatewood to South Bend, but also turned Thom into an enthusiastic Notre Dame advocate that helped attract future talent to the university.

That being said, Gatewood's story isn't just a nice footnote in the lead-up to Monday's national championship game—it's a game plan for a differentiated, 3-step approach that you can use to more effectively attract and retain talent:

1 - Quit trying to keep up with the Joneses.

ND's coach, Ara Parseghian, won over Gatewood with an understated, guarantee-free pitch emphasizing hard work and grit—a very different pitch compared to what other coaches were telling Thom (and a VERY VERY different pitch compared to today's recruiting environment).

2 - Build genuine connections between top talent and senior leadership.

After arriving on campus, Gatewood developed a relationship with ND’s president, Fr. Ted Hesburgh, dispelling any notion that Thom was merely a cog at some large institution. In fact, Thom learned first-hand that he was an integral part of the unique mission and vision that Father Ted had for Notre Dame; and that bond inspired Thom to become a lifelong, enthusiastic promoter of ND.

3 - Showcase a merit-based approach to accolades and opportunities.

Thom Gatewood wasn't appointed as Notre Dame's first Black football captain; he was voted in by his teammates, based on his effort, leadership, and trustworthiness. Compare that to organizations where promotions are perceived (rightly or wrongly) as driven by politics, favoritism, or some short-sighted guarantee that a leader feels forced to abide by.

The second Friday of each new year is Quitters Day.

And there is no better way to mark the occasion than by consciously quitting (qWitting) poor leadership habits that are holding you and your team back from long-term success.