When you were young and getting started in life or work, did you have someone who taught you and helped you? If yes, then you were lucky to have a mentor. And you could pass your good fortune forward by mentoring others like you.
However much life and career experience you think you still lack, you have more than many people. By sharing your knowledge and skills, you could change someone’s life. You could be the difference between someone finding a way forward or becoming stuck. And that would change your life.
Being a mentor is a rewarding experience because while you help other people grow and achieve their goals, you, too, grow and achieve your goals. It’s a win-win.
Let’s take a quick look at what it means to be a mentor, the benefits of mentoring and reasons to become a mentor.
What Is a Mentor?
Mentors are people who act as advisors to less experienced individuals, known as the mentees. Mentors share their more advanced knowledge and skills to guide, coach, support and help mentees grow and develop personally and/or professionally. Mentorship relationships are built through personal connections, professional networks or formal mentorship programs.
Qualifications to Be a Mentor
- Expertise in a specific career field or area of life
- Excellent communication skills, including being a good listener
- Leadership abilities
- Open-mindedness
- A genuine desire to help people
- Availability
- Flexibility
- Honesty
- Empathy
- Patience
Benefits of Mentoring
Mentorship provides numerous benefits for mentors and mentees, among them the following:
- Guidance and support
- Professional development
- Personal growth
- Networking opportunities
- Career advancement
- Diversification and inclusion
- Tighter community
12 Reasons to Become a Mentor
- Change someone’s life for the better
- Get more out of your skills and experiences
- Create meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships
- Give back to people and the community
- Gain perspective and new ideas
- Become a better leader
- Leave a legacy by shaping tomorrow’s leaders
- Learn more about your industry and profession
- Advance in your career
- Enhance your professional network
- Find more meaning and purpose in life
- Feel good about yourself and be happier
Should You Be a Mentor?
The fact that you read this far shows that you’re interested in mentoring. Do you have the qualifications? Then go for it! Find a mentee through your personal or professional networks or work with a mentoring organization. You’ll make someone very happy, and you’ll be glad you did!
