Mentorship in the Workplace - Your Professional Guide
What Is the Purpose of Mentoring in the Workplace?
Mentoring is most often defined as a professional relationship in which an experienced person (the mentor) assists another (the mentee) in developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the less-experienced person’s professional and personal growth.
Why Is Mentoring Important in the Workplace?
Mentoring is key for both the mentee and the organization. Companies are starved for outstanding talent and one of their main focus areas is building an excellent talent pipeline. Mentorship is one way to support succession planning and talent development.
Where Might You Find a Good Mentor?
There are several great places that you can look at to find a suitable mentor.
Connect with those in your industry who are further along in their career path than you are. Take note of their professional experience, their academic achievements, as well as their volunteer positions. Do any of their accomplishments spark some ideas of avenues that you would like to pursue?
Why not reach out to your connections using the messenger tool built into LinkedIn? Let the person know why you are messaging and what you hope to get out of a more in-depth conversation. Be specific and tell them what stood out to you in their profile. Referring to 1 or 2 specific points increases the likelihood that they will get back to you.
Groups are also a fantastic space on LinkedIn and another way to leverage this professional social platform. Join groups that are relevant to your industry and be sure to participate in the conversations in a meaningful way. Ask thoughtful questions that are likely to spark a discussion. Share interesting articles or resources that you have come across. Adding value to a group before asking for help or putting forward your request for a mentor is also a more sure-fire way to find someone who is willing to connect and provide guidance.
Alumni Associations
Alumni associations are another fantastic space to find a mentor. Join your local chapter and start attending events. Get to know your fellow alums and make meaningful connections. After the event, be sure to follow up with those that you made a connection with by sending a brief thank you note. Much like on LinkedIn, referring to a specific conversation or interesting point that came up will help you stand out with the person.
Family & Friends
Explain to your friends and family that you are interested in growing your career and finding a mentor who could offer guidance, support and coaching would be a great next step. Perhaps they may have someone in their personal or professional networks that you could connect with and who would be a great fit.
Within Your Organization
Are there leaders within your organization that you respect and admire and who you would like to approach about mentoring? Could your boss possibly recommend or connect you with a leader in the organization who would be a great fit as a mentor? This is an excellent avenue to consider and pursue.
“You Need Several Strong Mentors to Develop Your Career. Don’t Rely on Just One.”
What Is an Example of Mentoring in the Workplace?
When a senior leader takes an active interest in developing the career of a junior staff member. The mentee is given opportunities to attend meetings, work on special projects and receive one-on-one coaching and guidance. This type of mentoring relationship can be extremely beneficial for both the mentee and the organization
When a group of employees get together to share their knowledge and experience with each other. This can be a great way to learn new skills and develop as a professional
When a tenured employee offers guidance and support on various projects or tasks and offers them feedback on their performance
Connecting employees that are interested in growing with other professionals who can share their expertise and help them to develop their career
What Are the 4 Key Aspects of Mentoring?
Step 1: Building the Relationship
This is a fundamental step to the program. Do not rush this part of the process. Building a trusting relationship between the mentee and mentor is a time-consuming process and requires dedicated effort.
Focus on getting to know one and another and building the foundations of a trusting relationship. This is the step where you will know if one another is committed to the program. Have an open mind and have confidence in one another.
Ideally at the first meeting you will share:
Backgrounds – career, social and personal (as appropriate)
Ambitions, development goals and mutual expectations
Set goals for the timeframe that you will be working together
Decide where and when you will meet and how long the meetings will go for
To assist in getting to know one another and establishing a relationship, you may want to use the questions below as ice breakers.
What do you like best about your current role/job/study?
What are your hobbies/non-work interests?
Can you tell me about your family and where you grew up?
What has been the most significant learning experience in your career to date?
What are your career goals?
Who are your major role models and why?
Have you worked with a mentor/mentee before or similar (coach/trainer), what worked well for you?
Step 2: Negotiating Agreement
After you both have become acquainted, you are ready to set agreements with how your partnership will work.
Define your role as a mentee/mentor
Determine schedule/frequency/meeting logistics
Clarify any obstacles or limitations
Step 3: Developing the Mentee
This is the longest step in the program. This is the step where:
Goals are set (one or two achievable goals)
Choose steps and actions to reach goals
Maintain regular contact (face to face/phone/email/text message)
Step 4: Ending the Relationship
Scheduling a formal ending to the program is important. This is where you both will celebrate accomplishments and plan for the future. It will give both the Mentee and Mentor a sense of closure to the program and transition into a less formal mentoring arrangement.
Mentorship Programs in the Workplace
Do you want to develop a mentorship program in the workplace for yourself? Do you need more personalized help with finding a mentor, building that relationship and really getting the most out of this partnership for yourself? Don’t hesitate to reach out here.
Mentoring in the Workplace Articles
Here are some additional resources that might be helpful. Please Google the titles below.
Four Key Benefits of Workplace Mentoring Initiatives – Huff Post
Your Career Needs Many Mentors, Not Just One – Harvard Business Review
Why Men Mentor Women - Harvard Business Review Ideacast