Mentoring in Hospitality
Edward Gallier FIH
Head of Learning & Development | Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland
'Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.' Well there you have it, the Wikipedia definition of mentoring! But for me its so much more. Often being a mentor can be seen as passing on wisdom to the younger more inexperienced mentee, but the more mentees I work with I find I have so much to learn from them.
I am currently a member of the Bacchus Mentoring Programme at The Oxford School of Hospitality Management. It really is a unique programme in the higher education sector, the Bacchus Mentoring Programme links postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students with senior, experienced figures from the international hospitality and tourism industry for around 9-months.
Mentors and Mentees meet up for the first time at a networking event at The Painters Hall London
We all know how 'small' the hospitality sector is so starting your network early is no bad thing. The programme can really increase the employment prospects through greater engagement with leading industry professionals. For me as a learning and development specialist it is a key part of helping students have a smooth transition from higher education to work providing realistic insights into the challenges and opportunities in hospitality and tourism
I do it because in such a small period of time you see your mentee grow and mature into the industry. I find they keep me abreast of their views of industry, needs and lots of opinions. Its a great reality check as these guys will be our employees very soon.
One of my current mentees sharing her experience of a mentoring relationship with over a 100 industry managers. This can be a scary event for anyone but Natasa coped just great.
I find rather than a one way relationship in a parental style of 'wisdom and knowledge' a true mentor relationship can benefit and enrich both parties more than you would ever realise till you give it ago! I'm really looking forward to the next 9-months with my new mentee Ruta. What will we both learn? To be continued!!
at Landmark 75 Grosvenor street
8 年I also leant a lot from past mentors and still keep them in high regards. I can only hope that they developed professionally as well through all the challenges they helped me overcome.
?? Optimizing Success: Performance Strategist, Author, Mentor, Coach & Positive Psychology Expert ??
8 年So true love it and totally share your thoughts.
Managing Partner at Partners In Solutions
8 年Edward - loved your piece! As always you speak such common sense! Having spent xxx(!!!) years working in the catering and hospitality sector, like you I am getting so much out of coaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders - it is both a pleasure and a joy. Never let it be said that the sheer delight in seeing those 'light bulb moments' in the eyes of somebody you are mentoring dims over time - because they don't!
Experienced HR Director/ Chief People Officer | Trustee at DePaul Ireland (homeless services)
8 年Very true Edd!! Lots to be gained by both parties from mentoring!