What are the best ways to mentor procurement professionals from diverse backgrounds?

2 Adapt your communication and feedback style

Different backgrounds may influence how people communicate and receive feedback. For example, some cultures may value directness and honesty, while others may prefer indirectness and politeness. Some generations may prefer face-to-face or phone conversations, while others may favor email or text messages. Some genders may respond better to praise or encouragement, while others may appreciate constructive criticism or challenge. As a mentor, you need to adapt your communication and feedback style to suit your mentee's preferences and needs. Ask them how they like to communicate and receive feedback, and respect their choices. Use clear and respectful language, and avoid jargon or slang that may confuse or offend them.

3 Share your experiences and insights

One of the benefits of mentoring is that you can share your experiences and insights with your mentee, and help them learn from your successes and failures. However, when mentoring someone from a different background, you need to be mindful of how you share your stories and advice. Don't assume that your experiences are universal or relevant for your mentee. Don't impose your views or values on them. Don't make comparisons or generalizations that may belittle or invalidate their experiences. Instead, share your experiences and insights as examples or suggestions, and invite your mentee to reflect on how they can apply them to their own situation. Encourage them to share their own experiences and insights with you, and learn from them as well.

4 Support your mentee's growth and development

As a mentor, your role is to support your mentee's growth and development, not to control or dictate their career path. You need to respect your mentee's autonomy and agency, and help them discover and pursue their own goals and interests. Don't try to mold them into your image or force them to follow your footsteps. Don't limit their opportunities or choices based on their background or identity. Instead, help them explore their options and potentials, and challenge them to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Provide them with resources and connections that can help them advance their skills and knowledge. Celebrate their achievements and recognize their contributions.

5 Embrace diversity and inclusion

Mentoring someone from a different background can be a rewarding and enriching experience, both for you and your mentee. It can help you broaden your perspective, enhance your cultural competence, and strengthen your network. However, it can also require some effort and commitment to embrace diversity and inclusion. You need to be open-minded and curious, and willing to learn from and about your mentee's background and identity. You need to be respectful and supportive, and avoid any bias or discrimination. You need to be humble and honest, and acknowledge your mistakes and limitations. By embracing diversity and inclusion, you can build a trusting and meaningful mentoring relationship that can benefit both you and your mentee.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?