I Am a Mentor Day 2024: A Day to Recognise Mentors
The 7th of January is ‘I Am a Mentor Day’.?
But, what is it? Why should we celebrate it??
Within this article, we aim to disclose what this day represents, why mentors should acknowledge this day and the best practices for self-reflection as a mentor.?
What is I Am a Mentor Day?
The meaning of I Am a Mentor Day is to allow mentors to self-reflect. It falls within National Mentoring Month , observed every January. This day is an opportunity for mentors to celebrate their role and reflect on the impact they've had on their mentees, providing a unique moment for mentors to share their experiences and inspire others.
When was 'I Am a Mentor Day' introduced?
Mentoring has been a fundamental element of personal and professional growth for centuries, with its roots traceable back to ancient times. The tradition of mentoring, seen in various forms such as teachers, friends, and advisors, has always been about guiding, inspiring, and nurturing individuals towards success. Notable figures such as Aristotle, Maya Angelou and Steve Jobs, have exemplified the role of a mentor in shaping the lives of others.
'I Am a Mentor Day' was introduced as part of National Mentoring Month in 2002 by the organisation MENTOR . The day was established to encourage individuals to step forward and use their experiences to guide and support the younger generation.
Why should we acknowledge I Am a Mentor Day?
Celebrate your hard work: Mentors are making profound changes for mentees which, in turn, creates exponential changes in businesses such as increased productivity, efficiency and improved employee well-being.?
领英推荐
Create more mentors: 83% of mentees are very likely to become a mentor themselves. This goes without saying that recognising ‘I Am a Mentor Day’ goes beyond the 1-1 conversation. You can be part of a domino-effect that inspires others to become a mentor, share their lived experiences and create a mentoring culture for successful knowledge succession.?
Best practices to self-reflect as a mentor
Use this day to assess how you can improve your mentoring skills . Here are some useful practices for I Am a Mentor Day.?
Sharing stories and experiences: By actively participating in events or? to encourage others to become a mentor. Here are some key questions to answer when you are reflecting:?
Monitor progress: At Guider, we encourage mentees to set their goals to get the most out of their mentoring experience. Always refer back to these goals to understand your progression as a mentor.?
Harness available resources: Be open to self-improvement and understand that environments, particularly in a corporate setting, are always changing. Gain further knowledge, communication techniques, and be open to learning new skills yourself to give your mentee the best experience.
Guider’s bespoke Learning Hub contains invaluable information, templates and workflows that can will help you through every step of the process.?
For more information into mentoring, including what it means to be a mentor, please find our additional resources: