At times you may ponder over thoughts like what is it that you are missing in your entrepreneurial strategy? What needs to be done? You may have been planning to bring a mentor on board but then result in convincing yourself that you are fine on your own. It is probably because you are not certain if investing in a mentor is a good idea, whether this investment will go down the drain or bring up the desired results. If so, you are not the only one who feels this way.
Many professionals and leaders are investing in mentoring because it offers them possibilities for growth, development, and productivity. Leaders also insist on investing in mentoring because it decreases employee turnover and motivates organizational contentment. According to research conducted by Penna, 20% of workers, who are not working under the supervision of a mentor, are really eager to have a mentor. This research further discovers that 40% of the workforce was not able to be a mentor or mentees.
First of All, What is a Mentor?
Before moving forward, let us understand what a mentor really is. The idea of a mentor might not be alien to you. The embodiment has been circling for a considerably long time. While you are leaping on a train of entrepreneurship it sure sounds stirring to endeavor alone and develop something great without assistance. Yet, the truth is different, although you offer an objective, you still may not identify which measures you are required to take with your startup at which particular stage to steer it into a direction of maintainable corporate. So, here comes the role of a mentor, an individual who can back you up, counsel you, and direct you. Basically, a mentor will make time to become acquainted with you and the obstacles you are encountering, and then utilize their skills and personal knowledge to aid your progress. Mentors have the likelihood of becoming your ultimate source of professional guidance.
How Can a Mentor Help Your Career?
Mentors offer direction and understanding. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”Your mentor can be a sincerely constructive and productive figure who will provide you guidance and direction despite whichever phase of your profession you are in or how superior your position might be. Nevertheless, we can tell from our understanding that it may not always seem an easy decision to make. But we assure you that a mentor will be a great addition to your mix. When an American Technology company Sun Microsystems, conducted research in which they differentiate the career development of 1000 workers across five years, they discovered that the employees who took part in the corporation’s mentoring initiative were more significantly able to get promotions in their careers. The research also exhibits that retaining rates for mentees were more escalated that is 72% and for mentors, the retaining rates were 69% while for the employees who were not part of the mentoring program, their retaining rates were relatively low that is 49%. Interesting, isn’t it?
Having a mentor is a good part of your booming career, at all phases. We urge you not to forego the direction a mentor provides and the improvement you will realize in your career.
How Does The Mentor Relationship Work?
Now you may wonder how things will turn out once you bring a mentor. From our perspective, the relationship is beyond commanding. Your association with your mentor will be a cooperative professional relationship. Keep in mind that the right mentor will never demean or diminish you in any regard, at the bottom, they were also in your shoes once. Just like this, you will also respect and heeds the mentor’s views and assistance. Just like respect, effective communication also has a great impact on your relationship with the mentor. Don’t hesitate to speak your mind with the mentor. Be open to productive feedback and always listen to what they bring to the table. Acquiring knowledge and skill from someone who is more critically experienced than you and able to share accomplishments and disappointments willingly is without a doubt a wonderful gift. The fundamental element to attaining the most from your mentor association is your capacity to partake in the relationship with an open mind and big heart.
Five Reasons Why You Need a Mentor
You have come this far, which means that you have made up your mind about investing in a mentor. You need to make choices and strategies and the right mentor will counsel you to do that. The reasons why you need a mentor are diverse:
- Motivation
Mentors modify and renovate your vision. That’s right. They will offer you ideas, views, and intuitions that will motivate and empower you to go beyond the horizon. Mentor will strengthen your visions by enriching your intelligent competences
- Challenge
Your mentor will undeniably encourage you to go further. Never settle for less. Whatever challenges your life throws at you, your mentor will make sure that you succeed. If you feel that your skills need polishing, bringing the mentor will do the trick.
- Protection
We assure you that if you don’t intend to encounter major slip-ups, you get a mentor. Your mentor will protect you from hasty experiences. You will be able to get insights on how to steer and make comprehensive professional strategies in your startup.
- Personal Experience
What is more enticing than learning from personal experiences and life lessons. Yes, this is what your mentor will provide you via their stories and perceptions and will paint landscapes of what is conceivable. Consistently, promoting you and your visions.
- Dream to Reality
If you wish to turn your visions and aims and efficiently fulfill them, then it’s time to invest in a mentor. Because your mentors will never stop trusting, inspiring, and engaging you.
They will not halt until your vision becomes a reality.