You’re already working nine to five and have tons of responsibilities. Why would you give yourself more by becoming a mentor? But, mentoring has lots of career benefits. Find out how becoming a mentor can help your career. It may just change your mind!
What is Mentorship all About?
Mentorship is all about an exchanging of knowledge, experiences and skills from one person to another. Usually the mentor is an older, senior staff member in a leadership position.
Career Benefits of Becoming a Mentor
Oftentimes, the benefits of mentorship are focused on the impact of the mentee ( the junior staff member). But, there are also ways becoming a mentor can help your career. Find them listed below:
Keeps you Tuned Into What’s Happening in the Company
Sometimes upper management can be disconnected from what is happening on the ground level. Working with a mentee will keep you updated with news, complaints or concerns your staff members may be experiencing.
Promotes Your Social and Professional Network
You never know who you might need in future. Your mentee could become an important ally in the workplace. You need supportive colleagues if you want to see your career progress.
Helps you Recognise Your Weaknesses
No professional has reached perfection. We all have things to improve on. Working with your mentee will not only help you identify their weakness, but also your own. Once you recognise these, you can improve on them.
Enhances Your CV
Being a mentor shows that you have the ability to lead and take responsibility. It also shows you are willing to go the extra mile. These are all great qualities that will make your CV stand out.
Develops Your Listening Skills
As a mentor you will have to pay attention to what your mentee is expressing. You must develop active listening skills to help them with their challenges, become a safe place where they can vent and even read non-verbal cues.
Sharpens Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Mentoring is all about shared experiences and assisting your mentee with any problems. You will have to advise them in practical, creative ways to solve their challenges.
Polish Your Leadership Skills
Maybe you are not in a managerial role yet. Mentoring can help prepare you for this position. Show your employer that you can inspire and lead young professionals within the workplace. This is perfect practice for that promotion.
Overall Career Satisfaction
Doing good, feels good. If you are giving back within the company, your overall satisfaction at work will improve. The happier you are in the workplace, the more likely you are to work hard and succeed!
How to Become a Mentor
Now that you know all the career benefits of becoming a mentor, find out how you can get involved in mentorship.
Establish What you are Looking for
Do you want to mentor inexperienced staff members in your workplace or maybe you want to have a role in the lives of at-risk youth?
Find a Mentee Through Your Organisation or Network
Speak to your boss about opportunities to mentor any interns or volunteers. You can also look online at independent mentoring programmes.
Set Expectations
What are you looking to gain out of the experience? Set realistic goals for you and your mentee. Then create an outline on how to stick to them.
Avoid Common Mistakes
There are some pitfalls you must avoid. Remember, your role is that of a mentor. So you are simply guiding and facilitating the development process. Don’t overstep any boundaries.
Help Yourself by Helping Others. Become a Mentor!
Interested in career progression? Why not have a look at some of our distance learning options. We have an array of courses that will boost your career. Contact us on:
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