The Majestical Mentor
As you reflect on your life, who’s been instrumental in shaping who you are today? When you didn’t quite believe in yourself or what was possible, who helped you gain confidence to go for what you wanted? Most of us can think of at least a few people; the encourager, the inspirer, the Majestical Mentor.
Who’s provided a framework, guidance and structure, along with feedback and a dash of accountability? This person helped you create an actionable plan for sustained change and growth. This was your Conductor Coach.
Mentor vs. Coach: Quick Recap
While there is overlap between a mentor and a coach (encouraging self-improvement and providing a safe space for honest sharing), there are many differences. The mentor is typically someone who has specific skills and experience to transfer to another person. Mentoring is more informal and long term. A coach typically has more formalized training and offers limited advice but abundant tools and resources to help you make decisions, plans, and goals. You may run into athletic coaches and life coaches, but most of us have experience with coaching in the workplace.
Chances are, you can easily conjure up memories of a great mentor or coach who’s impacted your life positively. And, you likely can recall the very opposite. The overreaching mentor who tells you what to do and talks more than listens. The micromanaging coach who provides structure but little room for actual mistakes that lead to growth. Having the right fit and right person in your corner makes all the difference.
And while both are important in life...
What the World Needs Now is Majestical Mentors
Now more than ever, the mentor/mentee relationship is critical in the workplace. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve heard many stories of companies experiencing turnover, and the glaring issue of women who’ve left the workforce in droves. With this comes new and often green incoming talent who desperately needs to be connected with a mentor at work.
Whether you are a business owner or a seasoned professional, go back to the memories of mentors who evoke feelings and beliefs that you wouldn’t be where you are today without their support. The people who instilled confidence; your trusted sounding board, making you believe in yourself and what was possible. While they may not have been majestic creatures, their presence and impact on your career and even your life was truly remarkable.
If you are newer to your career, a few things to look for in a mentor:
Gives advice and guidance, shares insight and feedback
Listens and acts as a trusted sounding board
Identifies resources and opportunities to enhance your growth
Gives you tough love when needed
If you’re in the position to offer expertise and dive into the world of majestical mentorship, think about the qualities mentioned in this article, as well as the qualities you recall from those who impacted your life. Mentoring is about building a strong community and perpetuating the cycle of giving back; long gone are the days of withholding your knowledge and power hoarding to get ahead. There is enough room for us all. For more on this topic, check out this blog.
We can work with you to build a mentoring program within your workplace. The rewards will be an enhanced culture that gives back to your employees, creates more leaders and a succession plan thereby sustaining your organization for years to come. Check us out here to learn more on consulting or coaching.
Be well,
Holly & Amy
