Mentorship
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Mentorship is a must for leaders who lead!
Let me explain what it is, how to determine when you need a mentor and how to select your mentor.
Peer mentors are quite common, but I did not have to look far to select Paul Records. Not because he was Senior Vice-President of Human Resources at the time, but because he is someone I highly respected and could emulate.
I have had great mentors during the course of my career. They are invaluable and unforgettable!
Mentorship
Definition of Mentoring
According to wikipedia, mentorship is defined as follows:
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...is a personal developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person. The mentor may be older or younger, but have a certain area of expertise. |
Why You Need A Mentor?
After attending Strategic Thinking at Smith College in Northampton, MA, I was encouraged to select a mentor at a senior level within the company.
I was at a stage in my career that I needed to get a broader understanding of the company and develop the ability to think more strategically.
Criteria For Selecting A Mentor
Prior to asking a senior leader to serve as a mentor, I made sure to talk it over with Bruce, who was my boss at the time. It was important to me that he was in the loop on what I was planning to do. I did not want him to be blindsided.
My mentor, Paul Records, shared the Top 5 Traits/Things to look for when selecting a mentor:
- Reputation (you want to have them as a mentor)
- Capability (they have subject matter expertise, insights, strengths to add to your toolbox)
- Availability (willing to make time)
- Chemistry (some people just exude warmth, engagement, willingness others appear colder, less receptive)
- Commitment (someone who really wants to make a difference)
Criteria For Selecting A Mentoree
Before saying "Yes" to a request to be a mentor, Paul recommends you ask the following questions:
- What is their motivation? Are your values and interests aligned?
- Can you help the mentee?
- Do you believe you have subject matter expertise or leadership experience that could be beneficial?
- Is it the right time to connect with the individual?
- Chemistry – are they sincere or looking at checking the box?
- Communication is important. Can they listen and share what they would like to achieve and communicate what they are dealing with?
- Will the counsel you provide be internalized? Will they use the expertise and are they growing as a result of the relationship.
Before Paul agreed to be my mentor, he talked it over with my boss. Boy, I sure am glad I talked it over with Bruce first. That way, there were no surprises.
Want To Know More?
Everyone will need a mentor at some point in their career.
Mentors can come from all levels within the organization and can prove very helpful both personally and professionally. Choose wisely.
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