They’re Everywhere

“I think mentors are important and I don't think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship. Nobody makes it alone. Nobody has made it alone. And we are all mentors to people even when we don't know it.” (Oprah Winfrey)

Becoming a mentor can be important to both one’s personal (and professional) growth. The mentor is the more experienced person that takes the rookie under their guidance. The reward is watching their mentee mature (as a person). Mentoring offers many growth benefits outside of simply feeling good about helping others.

The Lessons You Teach Are a Good Reminder for Yourself - One of the most important skills I can give my mentees is the capacity to believe and be kind to who they are inside. To be kind and confident in myself is the best way I can be a role model for others. I am reminding myself (and my mentees) to strive to a higher standard.

“Mentoring is a mutuality that requires more than meeting the right teacher: the teacher must meet the right student.” (Parker J. Palmer)

Many educational institutions abide by the theory of “See one, do one, teach one,” for optimal learning practices. Nothing can help you learn better than teaching a concept to someone else. You have to know your material thoroughly in order to convey it to others.

Mentorship Forces You to Step Back and Gain Perspective - When a mentee comes to you with a challenge, it is difficult to offer advice without the full context of the situation. Ask questions and gain more clarity about the circumstances before answering.

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses - only results.” (Ken Blanchard)

As an unbiased party, you have the distinct advantage of being able to see the whole picture (without getting caught in details or emotions that may hinder your mentee). Because of this, you can offer advice that is clear and sound. This part of mentorship has challenged me to step back and gain perspective on my own situation.

Mentees Can Teach You Something Too - As a mentor, you must forget the perceived hierarchy; keep an open mind, and be willing to let your mentoring session work both ways. Most mentees would be more than happy to share what they know with their mentor (especially since they have gleaned so much from you).

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” (John Crawford Crosby)

Mentorship Grows Leadership Capacity - When you mentor others, you learn to bring out the best in others. You recognize strengths and weaknesses. You know how to be diplomatic (while getting results). You learn to give sound advice and be supportive. You look within established guidelines to make changes.

 

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you (than you see in yourself) and helps bring it out of you.” (Bob Proctor)

The skills you may inadvertently learn are applicable in many life and professional situations. The confidence you gain as a mentor is transferable to leadership in the workplace. Mentoring can be both beneficial and fulfilling. Take the time to reflect on your own life. Consider your valuable insights as you move into mentorship.[i]

 

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[i] Adapted from “Why Mentoring Others Has Helped Me” by Alex Lyman