Mentoring at Allianz Technology

In this article, Sabire Serap Keskin ,?Head of Branch Allianz Technology in Spain, shares her experience as a?mentor at Allianz Technology , and Elena Oni?or , who?oversees our Mentoring Program,?tells us about the?keys to succeed in this journey.

What is your experience as mentor at Allianz Technology?

“My journey of mentoring started back in Munich, during Allianz Direct as well as later at?Allianz?Global Corporate & Specialty?in Asia Pacific and of course then with Allianz Technology.?

The mentoring environment was a great first step to be selected as potential mentor, to have a call?and confirm whether my mentee can profit from my knowledge, insights and experiences. It′s all?about where the mentee stands in his/her career transition.

Overall, the experience has been very rewarding and a win-win for both sides. We confirm the key?objectives of the mentorship, adapt to the need, in many situations we agree on job shadowing.?

I learn what is on top of mind of the mentees and try to guide, connect and to be successful and?resilient to master their challenges.” -?Sabire Serap Keskin.

Why is having a mentor important for your professional journey??

"In Greek mythology, having a ‘mentor’ implied receiving wise and trusted advise from your?counselor. Nowadays, connecting one-on-one with a mentor in your field of interest gives you?endless opportunities to reflect and learn. Whether you have a specific hard or soft skill you'd like?to improve?on, or?are just seeking an experienced sparring partner to connect with, having a?mentor is an easy and valuable way to enhance your professional (and personal) skills, knowledge?and performance journey."- Elena?Onisor.

What are the benefits of becoming a mentor??

"Think back to when a role model made a difference in your personal or professional life. You have?the opportunity as a mentor to play an integral role in a colleague's development through informal?but focused conversations, at your own pace, within the Allianz community. Giving back is a?wonderful way to stay connected to different levels within the company - and learning/reflecting is?surely a two-way street!"- Elena?Onisor.

What is the mindset to succeed as a mentee? And as a mentor??

"As a mentee,?it is?important to be open and proactive about which topics?you'd?like to discuss?when meeting your mentor.?It is?also important to relax - your mentor is someone interested in?getting to know and support you. These interactions can be as serious or playful as the pair agrees?on! But?remember:?it is?a two-way exchange, and you surely have wisdom to offer your mentor,?too!

As a mentor,?it is?important to keep your mentee's position in mind. Not only their job role, but their?stage in life. What wisdom would best benefit them at this stage in their development? What?advice do you wish?you'd?gotten back then? Is there any knowledge, insight, tool or connection?they may not know about which could help them get out of a rut?they're?in? Your mentee has?chosen you for a reason. Be confident in your ability to make a difference! And?remember:?you?may learn a thing or two from them, too!" - Elena?Onisor.

What are some recommendations to put mentoring learning into practice??

"During your initial meeting, define the scope of your shared journey ahead. How often would you?like to meet? If it's once a month, remember to set goals for the mentee's aspirations between?meetings, or to remind/ask the mentee how your reflection from a previous meeting has changed?the way he/she works since you've last spoken. Keeping a record of?things?you discuss will help?you both keep track of which topics remain for the next session(s).

All in all, mentoring is a simple and practical activity, which empowers people to manage their own?learning and development, while releasing their potential and achieving desired and valuable?results". -?Elena?Onisor.

Thoughts? Comment below.?? ???