What is mentoring?
There are different types of mentoring but all have a few key ideas in common:
- Mentoring allows the sharing of knowledge, skills and experience.
- Mentoring is a relationship that develops over a period of time to the benefit of one or both parties.
- Mentoring is personal and should be formulated in a way to suit the parties involved.
Benefits of mentoring
For the mentor:
- A sense of value and satisfaction from passing on skills and knowledge.
- A new working relationship and rapport with a colleague.
- A chance to improve and practice communication and management skills.
- Insight into somebody else’s experience.
For the mentee:
- Support and guidance from somebody with personal insight.
- Safe learning environment (non-judgemental support tailored specifically to your wants and needs).
- Personal approach; advice is specifically targeted at areas important to you.
- Increase in confidence and self-esteem.
- Insight into potential future career-paths or modes of career development.