In class today, we discussed the topic of Mentorship,
a valuable resource that can not only benefit the mentee but the mentor and the
company. Often times people mistaken mentoring for coaching but there is a
difference. Mentoring is often an ongoing relationship where the focus is on
career growth and development, but the mentor does not oversee the daily
actions of the mentee. Coaching on the other-hand is a paired relationship that
is often short termed that is aimed at correcting behaviors that are affecting
performance. Coaching is often mandated by the organization while mentorship is
a professional connection made to help flourish.
As
mentioned before that not only is the mentee benefiting from the mentorship but
so is the mentor and company. Being a mentor often provides an open wave of
communication that can help to solve problems before they arise. Because there
is open communication within a mentorship conversation about problems within
teams, with other individuals, and within the organizations are regular. The
mentor can get a head of the problem before they become drastic and effect
other departments or the whole organization.
The
benefit to the mentor of knowing of issues before they arise is beneficial to
the organization as well. Organization benefits from mentorships because it
helps to spread growth and development through the company. Also, successful
mentorships have shown to help with employee retention.
Working
with a mentor can be challenging but I found an article that offers 8 tips that help get the most out
of working with a mentor.
- Investing your time in
seeking out the mentor.
- Sharing your goals and fears
openly.
- Not expecting the mentor to
solve your short-term problems or do the work for you.
- Not expecting specific
advice.
- Sharing where you are
struggling or failing.
- Listening carefully and then
researching and applying the mentor's guidance.
- Showing that you value the
mentor's support.
- Not abusing the relationship
by expecting political support in the organization.
These
tips can help build a successful relationship with a mentor that will not only
help you and the mentor but the organization as a whole.
Work Cited
I think your point about distributing developmental work throughout the organization is a great point. This is one of the strengths of the Army - every leader is expected to be a mentor. It's in the DNA of the organization. It's one of the things I miss most.
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