The Value of Mentoring: Why You Should Consider a Mentoring Programme

At Excel Communications, we spend a lot of time talking to leaders about how to develop individuals within their organisations, particularly as the New Year begins.

A common question we are asked is, “What value is there in having either a formal or informal mentoring programme?”

Mentoring dates back to ancient Greece, although its recent growth has occurred over the past twenty years, as highlighted in various studies. While mentoring in its current form has been around for a long time, many of today’s successful business owners and employees continue to benefit from it.

Did You Know?

• Oprah Winfrey credits the late Maya Angelou, the renowned author and poet, as her most important mentor of all time.
• Warren Buffett, considered the most successful investor of the 20th century, mentored Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Gates often turned to Buffett for advice and referred to him as “one of a kind”.
• The late Steve Jobs mentored Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. In the early days of Facebook, they frequently met to discuss business and management practices.
• Sir James Dyson, the industrial designer, was mentored by Jeremy Fry (1924-2005), a British inventor and engineer. Dyson approached Fry personally and asked for his help.

With high-profile leaders being open about their mentoring experiences, what are the key benefits of this special relationship?

The Benefits of a Mentoring Relationship

There are significant benefits for both the mentee and the mentor. If you’re considering running a mentoring programme within your organisation, it’s essential to understand these advantages.

For the Mentee, the benefits include:

• Boosting self-confidence.
• Learning how to take better control of their career.
• Gaining the skills to speak up and be heard.
• Understanding how to accept feedback in areas such as communication, technical abilities, change management, and leadership skills.
• Improving interpersonal relationship skills.

In-house mentoring also helps the mentee better understand the organisation’s culture and unspoken rules—both of which can be critical to success within a company. A good mentor is both an advisor and supporter capable of making a significant difference.

Mentoring Vs Coaching

Both mentoring and coaching play crucial roles in personal and professional development. Here’s how they differ:

• Coaching is task-oriented. The focus is often on specific, skill-based issues. The coach (a content expert) teaches the coachee the necessary skills.

• Mentoring is relationship-focused. It provides a confidential environment where mentees can share concerns affecting their career or personal success. While mentoring may initially address skills, it often extends into areas such as self-confidence and self-perception.

Mentoring relationships can last for years, even decades. An ex-colleague of mine remains in contact with a mentor they began working with over 20 years ago.

Will a Mentor Help My Career?

Short answer – yes. Whether or not a mentor will help depends on your career goals. If you aim to build a successful career, working with a mentor is a logical step.

How Do I Choose a Mentor?

Start by identifying your career and life goals. If you want different project experiences or leadership roles, focus on development areas. If your areas for growth are more skill-based, a coach may be the better option. However, if they are more relationship-oriented, a mentor is the ideal choice.

Many thanks,

Alex & The Excel Team

P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.

About Excel Communications

Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.  

Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.   

We work with you to create unforgettably, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.   

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