In education and business, we often see the term ‘mentor’ used in specific, designed ways. New teachers are assigned to a mentor teacher and are required to meet with this person for a certain number of hours throughout the year. Law firms and businesses have mentoring programs that pair senior executives with new partners.
However, many people step into the role of mentor without any formal invitation or label. Often the people who are most effective, connected, and trusted in their role as leader, supervisor, or manager are also serving as great mentors. When we see employees who are engaged, empowered, and appreciative of those from whom they take direction, we are often looking at the evidence of great mentoring in action.
Some people become, with experience, fantastic mentors over time. Other leaders benefit from additional training in how to be a mentor. When we coach and train people who are working to improve their mentorship skills, we start with these questions: What makes a person a great mentor? What inspires people to reach out and connect with someone? How does a mentor best convey the wisdom and life experience a new hire needs? [Read more…] about Mentoring