Mentorship – The Missing Link

By Dan Nielsen

October 22, 2015


Image via Unsplash by Jordan McQueen

Last week we discussed what has become a popular term at the professional and corporate levels: mentorship. Many leaders and organizations have learned how overall efficiency and effectiveness can be improved by coming alongside less-experienced employees and personally teaching them the ropes.

 

“Whenever I am asked what is the missing link between a promising businessperson and a successful one, mentoring comes to mind. Giving people advice on how they can best achieve their goals is something that is often overlooked.”

– Richard Branson

 

Rarely does anyone reach great professional heights without seeking wisdom outside of themselves. Professional mentorship is a trend that is essential to the stability of corporations that intend to outlast their competitors.

 

5 Reasons for Mentorship

 

  1. Mentorship inspires and motivates. When beginning a new job or creating your own business, there is always hesitation. Will this work out? What if I fail? A mentor has already been through the first steps and can help provide you with a push to go for you goals and believe in yourself.

 

  1. Mentorship acts complementary to training. Training provides employees with a step-by-step “how-to” to accomplish a task. Mentoring shows you how to handle the frustrations, insecurities, and complications that come with the job.

 

  1. Mentorship provides a boost in confidence. A mentor guides, supports, and encourages you as you develop in your career, which boosts your confidence and helps you persevere.

 

“My mentors have always been able to see things from a different perspective and help me stay on track.”

– Mhairi Petrovic, Founder of Out-Smarts Marketing

 

  1. Mentorship is a win for each party. Mentoring doesn’t just help the mentee. Mentors learn and benefit from the relationship as well, enjoying the opportunity to give back and share the knowledge and skills they have acquired through the years. And the mentorship of individuals ultimately benefits the organizations they serve, as they become more confident, competent, and effective in their roles.

 

  1. Mentorship lasts for life. A truly great mentor will be a mentor for life. When someone truly invests in your life like a good mentor will, they will continue to be there for you as you continue on in your career.

 

“Mentors become part of our DNA; we incorporate their lessons and gain from their experience. [Mentors] have helped my pursuit of knowledge and molded my core values and character.”

– Vik Khanna, Chairman and Co-Founder of National Education Technologies

 

Mentoring is an excellent way to improve yourself and your business. Seek out people who have something of value to teach, and learn from their experiences, wisdom, and knowledge.

 

 

Healthcare Leaders: interested in a virtual mentorship program? Check out the newly launched America’s Healthcare Leaders mentoring platform!

 

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About the author

Dan Nielsen is the author of the books Be An Inspirational Leader: Engage, Inspire, Empower, and Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums. He regularly writes and speaks on leadership excellence and achieving greater success, and is available to deliver keynotes, lead workshops, or facilitate discussions for your group. LEARN MORE

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