The Power of Mentoring: 9 Reasons for "YOU" to Get Involved

Many of us think mentoring to be a predominantly selfless activity that only results in guiding the mentee.

But, do mentors really gain anything during this process?

What we fail to think about as much is that mentoring not only helps the protégé, it also extends numerous advantages to the mentor.

These paybacks are essential to discuss because mentoring is a considerable investment of efforts and time.

I have been mentoring professionals and students for quite some time now.

It has been an enriching journey so far and would like to share my experiences.

1. Demonstrate Humility

It was never easy to admit my shortcomings.

I realized that it was important for me to say, “I don’t know,” or to talk about my personal failures.

A mentor who’s open to discuss about what didn’t go well can be really inspiring.

In fact, outstanding mentors may not even call themselves mentors.

2. Establish Trust

?It was difficult for me to trust the other side very quickly.

Swift trust happens when you decide to trust a person with whom you have no prior history, and thus acknowledge ?that there is a risk associated with it.

Over time, it paves the way for meaningful conversations.

3.?Mutual Respect

Initially, I expected my mentees to show respect to me.

I realized the unless mutual respect is established, there will be trust deficit.

An essential component in any mentoring relationship is mutual respect between the two partners.

4. Enhance Active Listening

Initially, I was pretending to listen and eager to offer solutions.

I understood that it is not possible to appreciate some, unless I don’t have my undivided attention to the person

It takes time and patience but helps in effective communication?and foster healthy relationships.

5. Cross Functional Exposure

It is not possible for me to know about all the industries, process, best practices, domains, etc.

Being a mentor extends a wonderful opportunity to learning possibilities from mentees.

It facilitates a comprehensive view of the diverse challenges and experiences people face.

6. Improve Networking

?My connections/contacts were very limited.

“Your network is your net worth” holds good in the current VUCA environment.

?It is quite possible to expand professional network through mentoring.

7. Refine Leadership Competencies

I strongly believe in servant leadership.

Yet, it is critical to finetune and mature.

Being a mentor helps to enrich leadership traits. ?

8. Influence Someone's Life

I surely had this objective in mind.

It was possible for me to recognize the fact I can positively impact someone's life.

Being a mentor for someone who desperately needs it, is extremely rewarding.

9. Self-Reflection

?I used to quickly move from one mentoring session to another.

?I found that mentoring encourages self-reflection.

?It provokes to introspect and take corrective action.

FINAL THOUGHTS

?Research indicates that mentors are rewarded with tangible benefits such as:

?Esteem among peers and leadership community

?Learning/Relearning/Unlearning

?Effective managerial competencies

?Gain personal visibility in the organization

?Increased compensation and remuneration

?And intangible gains ?such as:

?Enhanced organizational commitment

?Personal gratification

?Improved career satisfaction

So, what did I really gain from being a mentor?

For me, "personal gratification" is the biggest reward.

It is a wonderful feeling to know I am supporting the development of aspiring leaders across organizations and in my domain.

This keeps me motivated and be willing to mentor future leaders.

The right mentor/mentee association can be crucial.

In reality ” it is a two way street”

A few questions for you :

?#??What has been your mentoring experiences? ??

?#??Can you share a few key lessons learnt as a mentor?

?#??Did you get an opportunity ?to learn from your mentee?

#?? Would you like to become a mentor?

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