“Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.”
Eric Parsloe, The Oxford School of Coaching & Mentoring
Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool. It is a partnership between two people (mentor and mentee) normally working in a similar field or sharing similar experiences. It is a helpful relationship based upon mutual trust and respect.
A mentor is a guide who can help the mentee to find the right direction and who can help them to develop solutions to career issues. Mentors rely upon having had similar experiences to gain an empathy with the mentee and an understanding of their issues.
Mentoring provides the mentee with an opportunity to think about:
– career options and progress
– challenging situations
– strengthening relationships
– building knowledge and understanding
– realising opportunities
A mentor supports the mentee to believe in themselves and boost their confidence. A mentor is able to ask questions and challenge, while providing guidance and encouragement.
Mentoring allows the mentee to explore new ideas in confidence. It is a chance to look more closely at yourself, your issues, opportunities and what you want in life. Mentoring is about becoming more self aware, taking responsibility for and deciding on the directions you want your life to take, rather than leaving it to chance. (Adapted from MentorSet (UK))
Mentor Qualities
The ability to:
– co-create a desired future
– align values and principles with direction
– coach and encourage’
– share networks and resources
– offer personal perspectives
– bring knowledge and capability
– build trust and maintain confidentiality
– explore possibilities and potential
– challenge and stretch for growth
Benefits of Mentoring
– Developing new skills, knowledge and capability
– Identifying areas for professional growth
– More strategic career planning
– Gaining or increasing knowledge of organisational culture, structure and processes
– Access to new networks and contacts
– Finding new ways to approach old problems
– Increased confidence in abilities
– Increased job satisfaction and enhanced career opportunities