Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools in the business. When you pair a successful mentor with an eager mentee, great things can happen! Unfortunately, many companies have mentorship programs in place without any real guidance.
Demonstrate Positivity
The best mentors are positive ones. Part of the role of a mentor is to show their mentee how to behave in the workplace, and the more positivity, the better! This is why it is important that only mentors who already display positive workplace behaviors be chosen. You want the best teaching the best. How can you do this as a mentor? Show the mentee actual steps you take in order to be productive and successful on the job. This could be anything from how you organize your calendar to how you take a walk when you’re feeling stressed. Anything you do that contributes to your productivity and success, show your mentee!
Values Ongoing Learning and Growth
The most impactful mentors are people who are excited about their industry. These employees are committed to continued learning and growth, particularly in their specific career. Mentors who feel stagnant in their position do not make good mentors! Mentees deserve to be mentored by someone who has a love and passion for their career. This is best exemplified by employees are already committed to their learning and overall growth. Impactful mentors attend workshops, read articles related to professional development and are constantly learning and growing.
Delivers Honest Feedback
The most impactful mentors do not shy away from giving feedback. If anything, they lean into it. The more honest and feedback you can provide a mentee, the better. A mentee may not be prepared to accept tough feedback, but it will prepare them for a career full of feedback! The most impactful mentors understand this and deliver tough and honest feedback early on in the mentorship relationship.
The relationship between a mentor and their mentee is such an important one. Mentors can form meaningful relationships with their mentees and be impactful in several ways. First, a good mentor always displays positivity. Secondly, mentors value ongoing learning and growth and pass this on to their mentee. Lastly, the most impactful mentors deliver honest feedback.