Mentorship in the Workplace
In our previous post, we discussed mentors in our personal life - next, let’s talk about mentors in our work lives.
Since college, I have been lucky to have a mentor by my side. They have been a steady source of guidance and support, through triumphs and rock bottom. Even now, years later, we stay connected. Their wisdom proved invaluable during my wild startup days, offering a sounding board for the challenges I faced. While our backgrounds differed, their perspective transcended experience.
Mentorship for All: Formal and Informal
Mentors come in all shapes and sizes. Many companies, especially larger ones, have established mentorship programs. Startups often leverage accelerators that provide mentor networks, like Techstars' focus on surrounding their accepted cohorts with former founder mentors. My own mentor came from a college entrepreneurship program. Such programs offer structure to kickstart mentoring relationships, but these connections often grow organically over time. Mentorship can be as simple as assisting a new hire or answering a question on a community forum.
Why Mentor?
Techstars’ motto, "#GiveFirst," is entirely about helping others. Mentorship thrives on offering support without expecting immediate returns. Though, there are benefits to being a mentor. Over the years, I have found it rewarding for several reasons:
Sharpened Active Listening: Mentorship requires truly understanding what's being said, both verbally and nonverbally. This hones communication skills and improves your ability to deliver constructive feedback – crucial qualities for startup founders and leaders in general.
Fresh Perspectives: Mentoring is a two-way street. Reflecting on my own experiences while sharing them with others often leads to new insights and a fresh perspective on my own past events.
Learning from the Past: We often learn best from our mistakes. Discussing past challenges, while difficult at times, can be immensely helpful for others. It is also a reminder of your own growth journey.
Finding a Mentor
Mentorship benefits everyone, regardless of title or age. The best place to start searching is within your network. Is there someone you admire and respect, someone whose life path intrigues you? Reach out and express your interest in learning from their experiences. A simple video call or email exchange can spark a valuable connection.
- M