The Importance of Mentoring

This is part 2 in a 12-part blog series where I will share my good news and the good news of those around me. I encourage you to do the same!

It’s so important for us, as women, to support one another. It’s the collaboration over competition thing. And, since it’s Women’s History Month – I want to make sure I share some ways we can be better friends, better supporters, and all-around better people to each other.

I had the honor and pleasure of being a mentor at the Pittsburgh Business Times 10th Annual Mentoring Monday. This event gathers thousands of women across 40 markets to join in a “speed mentoring” event where you get a brief time to sit across the table from a potential mentor, share your story, and hopefully get solid advice and make lasting connections. Not only was I impressed with the event set-up and organization – I was very impressed with the mentees. Their excitement and preparedness when sitting with me, as a mentor, was incredible. My biggest fear was of course sitting alone and not having anyone wish to chat with me! Can you say Imposter Syndrome? I had meaningful conversations with 10 women of all ages, career levels, and industries. This got me thinking more about mentoring and what makes someone a good mentor.
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1. Stay in your lane. I had a mentee approach me and she began talking about customer service and working in a compliance department for one of the large utility companies in the region. My mind immediately went to another mentor and very good friend, who presents an intensive workshop on customer service. While I think my CS skills are pretty darn good, I know someone who has already created the go-to course on it. I’d rather make the referral for her than try to reinvent something that she’s mastered so well! Which leads into…
2. Share your ‘rolodex’. Be willing to make introductions and find resources for your mentee. If you know someone she’d benefit from meeting, make that intro.
3. Be honest and candid. Being a mentor isn’t being a yes-woman. You can be honest, and kind, at the same time. If you feel your mentee is making a mistake or heading down the wrong path it’s your responsibility to try to redirect her. Sometimes that means saying “no” or things that your mentee might not want to hear. In this case honesty is always the best policy.
4. Be organized and make good use of your time together. No one wants to work with a scatterbrain, or waste time. Make sure your meetings are set up to be beneficial and that you get something accomplished each time you sit down with your mentee.
5. Be willing to learn from your mentee. Yes, your focus is on helping your mentee learn and grow – but what about learning from her? Your mentee may have more to offer than you realize. Make it a win-win and open your mind to new ideas shared by her.

And most importantly, BE KIND. As a mentor, it’s your responsibility to help your mentee grow, develop, make big decisions, and work on their career and future. Tell us about your mentor or mentee (or both!) experiences in the comments, or if you found this blog post on social media go back and share there.

Here’s to building great relationships!
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xo
Kel