When you're an experienced leader, it's nice to pass on a little of that wisdom to someone new to a role. If you want to become a mentor, you have to possess certain key skills and abilities.
If you have experience in the business world, becoming a mentor can be a fantastic way to pass on what you've learned. Younger colleagues or those trying to launch their first start-up can enormously benefit from your expertise, whether you're in a mid-management role or the CEO of an established firm.
The amount of time you spend mentoring is entirely up to you, be it a few hours a week or a much bigger commitment. The best mentors possess strong communication skills, are good listeners and excellent problem-solvers – if you tick all those boxes, then you're ideally placed to become a mentor. If you have a specialist skill – finance, IT, sales – then even better.
Mentoring can be a deeply rewarding experience for both parties. As a mentor, your job is to support your mentee but also to challenge and stretch them. You should help them build a range of skills – critical thinking, organisation, people and time management, conflict resolution and more. It's also your job to boost their self-confidence.
When it comes to how to handle the relationship, you should be prepared to be guided by your mentee and let them set the agenda. Don't be afraid to provide them with feedback and constructive criticism – people need to learn from their mistakes, they learn fastest when those mistakes are pointed out early on.
You'd be surprised how often mentoring is a two-way street when it comes to learning. By working with younger generations, you often discover more about yourself and your own strengths, making it an invaluable experience for personal development.
Pass on the skills you've picked up
Support and stretch your mentee
Boost their self-confidence
Provide feedback
Personal development for both
