What is mentoring?

Mentoring should not be confused with coaching. Mentoring is a collaborative relationship, often between two people. Mentors act as role models and support the mentees in their growth, learning and professional development.

Coaching is a process where a coach provides guidance to another on their goals and helps them reach their full potential. It tends to focus on performance in the workplace but personal qualities such as confidence may also be covered.

Mentoring is often encouraged as part of employment training programmes. Employers use them to improve the skills, knowledge and performance of their staff, often setting specific targets and goals.

Mentoring relationships are usually long-term while coaching is delivered over a defined period of time.

Why is mentoring important?

Effective monitoring has a positive impact within a company or organisation. Key benefits for mentees include the ability to:

• encourage and empower personal development
• identify and achieve career goals
• identify gaps in generic skills and knowledge.

For a company or organisation, mentoring demonstrates to employees a commitment to professional development and continuous learning, enabling an inclusive, diverse and collaboration environment.

This is where one or several mentors work with a group of mentees. This model works well in companies or organisations where there may not be sufficient time or resources for the use of one-to-one mentoring. Mentoring can also support the development of potential future leaders.

Common mentoring techniques or models

One to one

This is the most traditional of all the types of mentoring. Only the mentor and mentee are involved and it is usually an experienced individual paired with a less experienced or younger mentee.

Group

This is where one or several mentors work with a group of mentees. This model works well in companies or organisations where there may not be sufficient time or resources for the use of one-to-one mentoring.

Distance

Advanced technology means mentoring does not have to be conducted in person. Mentors and mentees can maintain a relationship by connecting virtually using online programmes such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and even email.

Peer

This model enables employees from the same department or with similar roles to be paired together to provide support to each other. The peers may also be paired because of shared experiences. Peer mentoring can be conducted in a group setting or as a one-to-one relationship.

Reverse

This is the opposite of the traditional one-to-one model. Instead of a senior employee mentoring a more junior employee, the junior mentors the more senior usually in the teaching of a new skill or technology application.

How to find a mentor?

The first step to finding a mentor is to consider what you want to achieve in your professional development. Look for someone whose expertise aligns with your own goals.

Knowing where to look for a mentor can be a challenge. Start by exploring your own network – within your own organisation which may offer an internal mentoring programme, professional contacts, colleagues, family and friends. In addition, seek out potential mentors by networking at business organisations, professional associations and other groups.

Whichever route you choose to finding a mentor, look for experienced mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise and invest time in your career journey.

How to become a mentor?

You may consider becoming a mentor if you enjoy helping others to achieve their goals. Some people are professional mentors and receive payment for their advice and guidance. Others may choose to be philanthropic mentors.

Qualifications will underline your credentials as a mentor alongside life experience in general.

Successful and effective mentors usually possess attributes which include:

• good listening skills
• patience
• impartiality
• motivation
• understanding
• ability to give constructive feedback.

There are several routes by which you can become a mentor:

• within your own company or organisation
• offer to mentor a friend or family member
• join mentoring networks and associations
• offer to mentor within your community
• choose to mentor as a profession.

Building your mentoring skills

Mentoring is an effective way to progress your personal and professional development as well as that of your mentee.

The mentoring relationship should be respected and focussed on the requirements of the mentee. Agree regular mentor meetings to keep the mentoring relationship on track and achieve the best outcomes for you and the mentee.

Mentoring is a long-term commitment and a great way to enhance your leadership skills while being a respected role model to your mentee.

Resources

The IoD Mentor Connect platform is designed to connect members looking for support and guidance on their leadership journey with those that want to share the benefit of their experience.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced director, or anything in between, our platform makes it easy to find and build your support network, share your experiences and learn from others.

Access to the platform is free to all members.

Join our growing community of around 20,000 directors, and gain endless opportunities for development, networking and business support.