Many of us want a person to be there for us whenever we are starting a new job or something else new in our lives. We need a person to guide and help us find a way in what we are doing, in order to reach our maximum potential.
This person is termed as a mentor. According to different resources on the internet, a mentor may share with a mentee (or protege) information about his or her own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modelling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources.
Moise Uwizewe, a career development mentor, says being a mentor is being able to give the tools and necessary materials for success to a person and also teaching them how to overcome certain challenges.
"Imagine in a world where you are lost and someone is willing to hold your hand and guide you, that is the most fulfilling feeling to have as a person. A mentor motivates- lacking motivation can be very scary, but having someone that encourages you, a person that sees your failures as a success can offer encouragement,” he says.
He adds that mentorship is rewarding, because not only does it offer a sense of satisfaction seeing someone progress, but also comes with acquiring leadership skills, good communication skills, and confidence.
Evelyne Muhorakeye, an employee, says that mentors are very important in someone’s success and progress.
"I have been a mentee and was always grateful to have someone that takes it as their responsibility to make sure I excel in my goals and discover my potential. I feel that they are a big part of what a person achieves because they are like parents, they make sure you take baby steps till you reach the mature ones,” she says.
Amani Itangishaka, a career mentor, explains that being a mentor is being a supporter to someone but it also teaches you as an individual.
"As a mentor, not only do you teach but you also acquire some knowledge. Learning is the most important part of life and it never ends, as a mentor you learn endlessly,” he says.
Tips on how to become a good mentor
Better Up, a People Experience Platform for professional coaching, immersive learning, and insights designed for everyone, offered four skills needed:
Experience in the area you’re mentoring someone
You can’t be an effective mentor if you don’t have experience in the area of expertise your mentee needs. For instance, if your mentee is thinking of becoming a nurse, it probably makes sense for you to have nursing experience.
The ability to teach at an individual level
To become a mentor, you need leadership skills. You need to be able to customize your approach to the specific person you’re mentoring. You need to be able to read a person to see if a teaching approach is working or not. And you need to know how to course-correct and adapt when needed.
The desire to help someone reach their potential
A great mentor wants to see their mentee reach soaring heights. They want them to fulfil their goals and live their fullest life. They want them to feel invigorated.
Communication skills
Every mentor needs proper communication skills to have a successful mentor-mentee relationship. It’s the only way to discuss how to develop the mentee’s path forward.