We have all faced times in our lives when we desperately need a helping hand. It could have been a daunting task at work, a challenging phase of life, or even a testing time in your career. Maybe you had a mentor who supported you through these times—or maybe you wished you did but had no idea where to start in finding one. Either way, you may recognise the value a mentor can bring to one’s career development. On the other hand, wouldn’t it be nice to be at the other end of the table and be the guiding light a person is on the lookout for? Many people find fulfillment in guiding and teaching others, and mentoring provides the perfect opportunity to do that. You never know, it might even open up some new opportunities for you!

Good mentors can have a transformative impact on an individual’s life. Influential figures like Warren Buffet and Steve Jobs have often credited Benjamin Graham and Robert Friedland respectively as major contributors to their success. In this article, we will have a look at some ways in which you can shape yourself to be a better mentor.

1. Ask What Is Needed

Seeking clarity on your mentee’s needs can make your task easier. Every individual will have different expectations of their mentor. A fresher starting out in the industry might be looking for tips to land their first job. A new employee in the company might want to gain insights into company culture. A seasoned veteran of the industry might want to brainstorm industry trends. Sculpting your advice or recommendations based on the individual’s situation can make your efforts more impactful and effective. Whether your mentee is an entry-level teacher, a banking CEO, or someone looking to transition into nursing leadership roles, their needs will be different based on the industry, their level of experience, and their personal goals. Sometimes, a mentee may not know what they want to gain from the mentorship. In such a scenario, try to ascertain what issues and problems the person could potentially be facing by asking open-ended questions and paying close attention to get a grasp of their perspective. Alternatively, ask them about their broader career goals, and consider how you might be able to help them achieve these.

2. Lead By Example

When Mahatma Gandhi urged the people of India to boycott British goods, he did so by leading as an example. He decided to forego all his foreign possessions and embraced the humble khadi as his only clothing option. Buoyed by the Mahatma, millions across the Indian subcontinent joined the fight to compel the British to leave the crown jewel of their empire. As a mentor, you too should practice what you preach. Try to exhibit the positive outcome of your suggestions. For instance, if you are someone who is urging your mentee to upskill, try demonstrating by upskilling yourself and showing the advantages of doing so. This should motivate your mentee to take constructive steps in the right direction.

3. Stay Committed and Available

One of the fundamental tasks of a mentor is to stay committed to the cause and be available. Respecting meeting times and being there on the dot can set up the groundwork for a fruitful relationship. It is always vital to honor your commitments and keep checking in from time to time to stay updated about the progress made. Using technology can be helpful. For instance, you can use apps like Calendly to schedule your meetings at mutually convenient times and meet online through a host of meeting platforms. Communicating the availability in advance can also help the mentee in asking for assistance at times when you are not too busy.

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4. Facilitate Opportunities

Great mentors also try to pass on relevant opportunities to their mentees. Keep your radar on for opportunities that might be suitable and of the appropriate level. These could be internships, industry events, conferences, or even side projects. Ask around in your professional network. Be open to giving references. When recommending your mentee, highlight their strengths and points of difference. Promote them on relevant platforms like LinkedIn. Suggest upskilling courses, books, and podcasts that you find useful. Try to tailor your suggestions on the basis of their areas of improvement and interests. Offer guidance and build their confidence to participate in more activities.

5. Be Candid

Be honest in your expectations and interactions. Avoid overcommitting and underperforming. Be very clear about your time constraints as well as your circle of competence i.e. things you are good at. It is okay to admit having limited or no knowledge of a particular subject rather than pretending to know about it and giving inaccurate advice. Also, maintain transparency about the scope of the mentorship. Try to set tangible measurable goals at the beginning for a desirable outcome at the end.

6. Provide Constructive Feedback

Always be on the lookout for ways to improve your mentee. Focus on all aspects like core technical knowledge, awareness of industry trends, soft skills as well as attention to detail. Don’t shy away from pointing out the flaws and mistakes. Be tactful in saying it the right way when communicating the same. In your suggestions, try to be as specific as possible. Share personal experiences and insights and provide practical solutions to the problems that the individual is facing.

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In Conclusion

Mentorship can be a highly fulfilling process. Helping someone grow and prosper can give immense satisfaction. If done correctly, it can have a transformative impact on an individual’s life. It is important to set clear boundaries and ask about what is expected from the beginning. Leading by example rather than by mere words can make everything more impactful. Honoring commitments and being on time is of paramount importance.

You can also go above and beyond and try to facilitate opportunities by leveraging your professional network and providing recommendations when necessary. Being candid about yourself, your schedule, as well as your limitations, can add a layer of transparency to the proceedings. Finally, providing truthful constructive feedback can level up the skills, output, and knowledge of the mentee.

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