Musings on Mentorship

Mentors can have a profound impact on you. They could help you formulate a career path within your organization or even open new opportunities. Even if they aren't a part of your organization, their wealth of experience can help you navigate different situations, for instance, when you're stuck at a crossroads. Needless to say, it's a powerful relationship built on a foundation of trust.

Why Mentors Are Important

About a year ago, I met a senior of mine for a cup of coffee. We've had a longstanding relationship since I was in my career's early stages. As we talked, I told him I was considering moving out of the country. Understanding the magnitude of the decision, he asked me some relevant questions that subtly made me realize that I needed to be more prepared before making the jump. From the finances and schooling to the impact it would have on my professional life, he shared his thoughts on different aspects of the move. I left the conversation feeling empowered, with a renewed perspective on how important mentors are.

What A Mentor Does

I still find it amazing how a casual coffee connect turned into a meaningful conversation. Someone I hadn't met in years was willing to empathize with my situation, listen patiently, and give me valuable advice. To me, that's what a mentor does. It doesn't matter if they're outside your organization or how long it's been since you last connected with them — if you're at a crossroads or in a crisis, you can reach out to them. They're someone you trust, whose support you can count on, a guiding voice when you need it the most.

The Mentor-Mentee Relationship

I think a sense of trust and support is crucial for a meaningful mentor-mentee relationship. Whether we like it or not, our personal lives affect our professional ones. That shared trust encourages us to discuss our thoughts and difficulties with a mentor. It's why talking to one is so empowering — you can express yourself without reservations and seek counsel. For instance, over the years, a few teammates have asked me if they should take up a new opportunity elsewhere. Their willingness to share that information comes from the connection we've built, one of mutual respect and transparency.

A Two-Way Street

With time, it's become clear to me that mentorship goes beyond conventional mentor-mentee relationships at the workplace. Your family members, children, teammates, and anyone willing to support you are mentors in their own right. Just as my teammates rely on me for advice, I depend on them for their perspectives. During discussions, they'll often shed new light on issues, thinking in ways that wouldn't have crossed my mind. As a mentor, I think it's important to keep an open mind and be receptive to new thoughts and opinions. I've learned a lot from my peers, juniors, and even my kids.

There are various individuals I'm grateful to call my mentors who've guided me over the years. As a mentor, I always aim to create a space that comes from mutual trust, comfort, and honesty. I believe that's who good mentors are — if you need guidance in your professional life, no matter what you're facing, you know that they're just a conversation away.