Mentoring at work
Discussion
Anyone do it?
I only ask because it was suggested to me 12 months ago at a feedback session following an unsuccessful attempt to scale Mount Promotion.
Self-reflection and all that malarkey isn't something which comes naturally to me, but I decided to give it a go and, as per the feedback, asked for someone senior in the Force from the staff ("civilian") side...
I've been working with my mentor, who was head of an organisational change team but whose contract has now finished, for around 9 months now and it's paid dividends, I genuinely did not realise how useful the "critical friend" role could be, tailoring the evidence I need to present and the personal development I need to do.
I'm now in a position where I've just submitted a (hopefully) very strong written promotion application... Hopefully interviews in January and I'll certainly need some coaching before then.
I only ask because it's so unexpectedly useful to me that I'd like to hear that my mentor gets something out of it... Is it a good/rewarding thing to do?
I only ask because it was suggested to me 12 months ago at a feedback session following an unsuccessful attempt to scale Mount Promotion.
Self-reflection and all that malarkey isn't something which comes naturally to me, but I decided to give it a go and, as per the feedback, asked for someone senior in the Force from the staff ("civilian") side...
I've been working with my mentor, who was head of an organisational change team but whose contract has now finished, for around 9 months now and it's paid dividends, I genuinely did not realise how useful the "critical friend" role could be, tailoring the evidence I need to present and the personal development I need to do.
I'm now in a position where I've just submitted a (hopefully) very strong written promotion application... Hopefully interviews in January and I'll certainly need some coaching before then.
I only ask because it's so unexpectedly useful to me that I'd like to hear that my mentor gets something out of it... Is it a good/rewarding thing to do?
It can be hugely rewarding to see the growth and development come out in the person you are mentoring, but that does depend on the pair of you "gelling" and it not being a forced relationship, equally it can be a huge pain in the arse if the person nods but doesn't listen and shows no signs of change - ie it can feel like a waste of time.
It's also a useful period of time for self reflection when you are discussing development needs and strategies.
In my view - yep, it's rewarding.
Jim
It's also a useful period of time for self reflection when you are discussing development needs and strategies.
In my view - yep, it's rewarding.
Jim
As stated very eloquently above, it can be very rewarding, for both parties. However, there is still space for some mentoring experiences to fall short of expectations; expectations of the mentee and expectations from the mentor, particularly if the latter does not have the requisite skills or was in appropriately matched; this is a really important area that can sometimes be glossed over.
Glad to hear your experience was a positive one. Good luck!
Glad to hear your experience was a positive one. Good luck!
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