Mentors can change the course of one’s career. I have been fortunate to have had great mentors who have been exceptional guidance figures in my professional growth, providing me with advice and/or support. They believed in me and invested in my long-term development. Whether a teacher, a family member, a boss or a friend, we all can name at least one person who has had a significant impact on our lives. Whether professional or personal, these individuals inspire and guide us.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, ​mentoring is “the practice of helping and advising a less experienced person over a period of time.” I believe mentoring goes above and beyond that. Mentoring is a nurturing relationship where a more-experienced individual, the mentor, shares knowledge and gives advice to a less experienced individual, the mentee, fostering the mentee’s overall growth and development. A mentor’s role is diverse and often extends beyond simple advice-giving. A mentor can be a connector or even a challenger to help their mentees reach their full potential. They provide priceless guidance and insights drawn from their own professional and life experiences. Mentoring involves a deeper level of relationship, building trust and ongoing support. It is truly caring for the mentee’s wellbeing and development.

Coaching versus Mentoring

Mentoring and coaching are both very helpful in promoting professional and personal growth; however, they function very differently from one another. Coaching is a structured process where a professional coach assists individuals in achieving their goals. Coaching is often focused on specific goals or tasks. It involves providing guidance, feedback and support usually tailored to a specific need. For example, in the workplace, an immediate benefit of coaching is seen in the form of better performance, boosting self-esteem and increasing clarity in one’s goals. In contrast, mentoring fosters meaningful and long-lasting growth that goes beyond improving skills and frequently provides inspiration.  

Understanding the difference between coaching and mentoring is important for organizations seeking to maximize the potential of their people in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Benefits of Mentoring

Mentoring someone effectively has an impact on employee retention and can facilitate cultural shifts. I have been greatly influenced by our managing partner; he leads by example and shares his experience and technical knowledge. His guidance has allowed me to navigate career challenges while inspiring me to excel as a professional.

Mentoring is invaluable in developing future leaders in an organization. Forbes reported that “nearly 70% of businesses reported an increase in productivity due to mentoring and more than 50% say these programs had a positive impact on profits.” Therefore, focusing on implementing mentoring programs can be beneficial to an organization as it can create a more positive company culture.

Core Skills of Mentoring

Recognizing the value of mentoring and building a solid foundation to enable mentoring relationships are significant for organizations committed to excellence. Below are a few core skills that can be helpful when mentoring someone:

• Listening actively: This is the most basic mentoring skill. When you listen, you demonstrate interest and, as a result, your mentee feels accepted and trust starts to build.
• Building trust: Trust is developed over time, and it depends on the mentor’s and mentee’s behavior. You must practice honest and open communication and follow through on your commitments.
• Encouraging: This is a significant mentoring skill. It is important to provide sincere, positive feedback and recognition. It can’t be too much or too little and it must be at the right time.
• Inspiring: The ability to inspire others is an attribute that separates superb mentors from very good mentors.
  

The opportunity to mentor someone is an honor. I have been mentored throughout my career, and I am now mentoring others. It is rewarding and creates a personal sense of fulfillment to nurture others and see them achieve their goals. In the process of guiding someone, you will revisit your own leadership skills. Great mentors are committed to constant learning.