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A great way to make a difference in your own and someone else's life is to think about what you can do for others. Why not take what you have learned and "pay it forward"? Become a Mentor!
Many of us can say we had a teacher or parent that helped guide us into becoming who we are today. They encouraged us, led by example, and gave us the tools to achieve our goals.
But does it, or should it, stop there? We need to keep that momentum going and Mentoring, especially in our professional lives, is where we can shine!
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mentor as “a trusted counselor or guide”. Being a Mentor requires that you be genuinely interested in another person’s growth, with no real expectation of tangible personal gain.
Take a look at this scenario……
You have made it. You began pursuing your profession fresh out of college, worked hard, and were able to gain success. By now you fully understand the ins and outs of your profession, have made wonderful contacts, and have achieved your goals.
Now you become acquainted with someone new to the professional world and eager to make their own mark. They may be a new hire within your company or someone in your professional circle. They are working diligently to learn and trying to make their own connections.
But you know making those quality connections and “climbing the ladder” are tough. I believe this is where you have a choice. You could sit idly by – after all, you made it on your own – or, you could choose a different path.
But you know making those quality connections and “climbing the ladder” are tough. I believe this is where you have a choice. You could sit idly by – after all, you made it on your own – or, you could choose a different path.
You could be a Mentor!
Mentoring ~ a Great Way to Pay it Forward! "Tweet This"
What Does it Take to Be a Good Mentor?
A study of mentoring techniques most commonly used in business by Aubrey, Bob and Cohen, Paul (1995), "Working Wisdom: Timeless Skills and Vanguard Strategies for Learning Organizations", outlined these Mentoring Strategies:
- Accompanying: taking part in the learning process "side-by-side" with the learner.
- Showing: using examples or setting your own example to demonstrate a skill or activity - lead/mentor through your actions.
- Harvesting: focusing on "hands on experience" and asking questions such as "what have you learned" or "how useful was it?".
We would add our own preferred technique ~ Inclusion.
Inclusion means ~ Invite the mentee into your “inner circle”. Introduce them to who you know and include them in your professional groups. In other words, “Pay it Forward”, “Make A Difference”, and Pave the Way!
What are the Benefits of Mentoring?
Mentoring helps bridge the gap between “school” knowledge and “real-world” knowledge. It helps take what the Mentee has learned and moves it to the next level.
In the workplace, Mentoring also helps new hires “get up to speed” and allows new employees to adjust better to the new company culture.
The most important benefit of Mentoring is that it aids in the advancement of talented individuals. Taking someone promising “under your wing” allows them to achieve, or even surpass, their professional goals.
Mentoring also benefits the Mentor.
As a Mentor you can hone your own leadership skills and gain great personal satisfaction by sharing those skills and expertise. You can even feel more appreciated and respected.
Many times Mentors will even increase their own productivity and job performances as a result of being a mentor. The desire to be a worthy role model will kick in.
How do You know that Mentoring is Right for You?
- You want to share what You have learned and enjoy encouraging and motivating others.
- You truly want to be a part of helping someone grow and succeed.
- You realize the time commitment and be willing to see it through.
- You consider mentoring as a way to contribute and “pay it forward”.
Mentoring promotes great professional and personal development.
Truly helping someone on their own professional path can reward you with a fantastic sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Truly helping someone on their own professional path can reward you with a fantastic sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
In an ideal Mentor/Mentee relationship, everyone wins! And what could be a better way to “Make A Difference”?
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