Today marks National Mentoring Day, which recognises mentorship, acknowledges professional achievement and the benefits mentoring brings, as well as inspiring more people to participate.

It’s important not to underestimate the value of mentoring. Having a mentoring relationship is often deemed to be one of the most beneficial things for your career and personal development and can enhance your network as well as increase the possibilities of being promoted within your organisation.

Mentoring statistics

There is no denying that mentoring has the potential to significantly impact the lives of an individual or a business. Recent statistics show that 87% of mentors and mentees say that their mentoring relationships give them a sense of empowerment and help them to develop a greater sense of confidence in themselves. Additionally, 97% of individuals with a mentor feel they are highly impactful and valuable, while 89% of individuals mentored will mentor someone in the future.

With more companies putting in place mentoring programmes to enhance the learning, growth, and abilities of their staff, there’s a sharp rise in the number of people looking for mentors.

Different types of mentoring

There are many types of mentors, all underpinned by one factor —they are coming from a position of experience and so are armed with the skills to develop skills and potential, increase know-how and performance, or improve ways of thinking and to help overcome barriers someone is facing.

• Business mentoring Business mentors, also referred to as enterprise mentors, have prior experience owning, operating, managing, or being in a business. They can support a company’s expansion, productivity, sustainability, and profitability, as opposed to training and counselling services which is a different specialism under the mentoring umbrella.
• Personal mentoring Also referred to as life coaching. This can assist with direction, purpose, and personal obstacles at various periods of life and enhance a person’s resilience, confidence, and general wellbeing.
• Career mentoring A career mentor can aid in developing skills, experience, and knowledge as well as helping an individual focus on and clarify their career goals, support transitions, and assist in their re-marketing. In order to help with career planning, goals, and growth, career mentors can be utilised in all sectors of industry and at all levels, from C-Suite executives to junior workers.
• Workplace mentoring Mentors in the workplace are frequently senior colleagues. They work without direct supervision from line managers and assist staff members in overcoming obstacles, boosting output or performance, or developing new competencies. Workplace mentoring can take several forms, such as executive or management mentorship, employee development, career advancement for diverse or minority groups, and reverse mentoring.  Mentoring in the workplace is mentee-driven and cannot be mandated.

The benefits to the mentee

Accelerated learning, professional and personal development, and networking and resource access are a few advantages of being mentored. The mentee can glean insightful criticism and an alternative viewpoint on concepts. A competent mentor can also point out areas of weakness and help develop new abilities.

As a result, goals are frequently accomplished more quickly. Mentors inspire, encourage, boost confidence or self-esteem, and provide accountability for the mentee. The capacity of the mentee to overcome obstacles and, in the case of business mentoring, to expand and remain in business over time, can both be enhanced by mentoring.

Becoming a mentor

Mentors should be driven to assist others and have the desire to effect change. A mentor should be able to listen intently and let go of their own egos and agendas.

Mentors should possess experience that is pertinent to the type of mentoring they are providing; for instance, mentors in the business world should have expertise in areas like technology or leadership or in business in general. A good mentor will recognise when someone else is better suited to assist their mentee in overcoming a challenge.

The business benefits of mentoring

For both mentors and mentees, mentoring can lower staff turnover and increase employee engagement and loyalty. Employee motivation, empowerment, and engagement may all increase. Employee relationships and interaction are strengthened and improved through mentoring, which also helps to create a positive work environment and culture where employees feel more supported.

Thanks to a bespoke suite of services at Ford & Stanley covering leadership development training, performance coaching and mental fitness support, all through a single point of relationship management, we help multiple organisations fulfil their mentoring needs and help their employees deliver their A-Game.

Find out more at fordandstanley.com