Calling of the potential mentors
Most of us have likely been formally or informally influenced by a mentor at some point in our lives. It can be compared to “paying it forward” or “giving it back.” An individual may desire mentoring at certain times in their development at which point they may ask someone for guidance. More formal types of mentoring are required for apprenticeship and professional associations; it may also be the culture of the organization.
 
As I started thinking about the potential for a mentorship program in CSC, I turned to the internet to research more about how to become an effective mentor. It was intriguing and interesting to discover there are many companies established to teach mentoring skills. Based on my research, some of the following is paraphrased from some of the websites I visited.
 
A few of the benefits of an individual mentoring may include recognized involvement in a program of strategic importance to your organization/company; new perspectives and insight; potential for networking; opportunity for self-reflection; and personal satisfaction such as paying it forward.
 
As for organizations and companies, a mentor influences the personal and professional growth of a mentee. Most traditional mentorships involve senior employees mentoring more junior employees; however, mentors do not necessarily have to be more senior than those they are guiding. What matters is mentors have experience from whom they can learn from.
 
Some well-known and successful companies have engaged firms specializing in mentorship programs. One training company I looked at has a client list that includes Goodyear, Bic, Rogers, LinkedIn, and Stanley Black & Decker.
 
These businesses have recognized the benefits of mentoring in the workplace: employee retention, job satisfaction, leadership skills, better teamwork, stronger internal networks; attracting staff; harnessing the power of natural leadership; and increasing confidence.
 
Mentorship training: some of it includes addressing cross-cultural differences; identifying potential challenges in the mentorship relationship; and developing an action plan that helps their mentee grow.
 
Mentorship requires unique skills and qualities, including patience, effective communication, providing constructive feedback, empathy, active listening, and a willingness to learn. It is also important to train potential mentors on ethical and strategic aspects of mentorship.
 
An organization may choose to implement mentoring training to cultivate a culture of mentorship within the company. One website I visited said the success of a mentoring program is dependent upon how strong it is rooted into the culture of the organization and building ways to recognize those who wish to participate.
 
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or think this type of program could benefit your company, perform a simple web search using the keywords “training for mentors.” There are even online courses available, too.
 
Yours in service. I am CSC