Mentoring – why YOU should do it

“The wisdom acquired with the passage of time is a useless gift unless you share it.”

– Esther Williams

In my first article on mentoring, I talked about the tangible benefits of mentorship...for the mentee. What I did not cover were the benefits to the mentor. Evidence shows that mentors saw higher employee retention rates and were promoted 6 times more than those not participating in a mentorship program.

Besides the fact that it PAYS, why else should you be a mentor?

1. You will learn

My mom’s favorite quote is “To teach is to learn twice” by Joseph Joubert. Through mentoring, you will learn something new or reinforce something that you already knew, and needed to hear again. During a time of corporate turmoil, I offered advice to a mentee to remain positive and focused on the job at hand. It turned out at that exact moment, I needed to hear that advice as well. 

2. It helps build your personal brand & reputation

As I’ve taken on more mentees, I’ve settled into my own style. I find myself sharing the same anecdotes, stories and lessons. You will develop a “personal brand” that will expand and grow as your network of mentees expands. 

“Be one to many” - Kevin Beatty

IBM executive Kevin Beatty says, “be one to many.” Through mentorship, whether you intend to or not, you are building a network of up-and-coming professionals who one day may work for you, or side-by-side with you. Mentoring them is an opportunity to develop, practice and hone your leadership skills. These mentees will remember how you treated them and the support you provided.

3. It’s rewarding

There is no greater sense of pride and accomplishment than seeing others succeed. It is an extremely fulfilling experience seeing your advice put to use and hearing that it was successful. I am very proud of the individuals I mentor, and am honored when I have the opportunity to share in their success. Another byproduct of mentorship? Friendship and deep personal connection. 

“If there is any meaning in life greater than connecting with other human beings, I haven’t found it” 

– Melinda Gates, The Moment of Lift

Mentoring sounds like a formal process but it's really about connecting on a human level and helping others. For me, what I most enjoy is that every time I hang up from a call with a mentee… I have a GIANT smile on my face. The positive energy the experience provides is well worth the time investment.

Always remember that you are valuable at whatever stage of life you are in. If you are in college, mentor a high school student. If you are in your first year on the job, mentor a college student. Your knowledge and experiences are a gift, and it is rewarding to give that gift to others.

If I’ve convinced you to be a mentor…my final article in the series include tips for being/becoming a great mentor to others.