We all know the value of having a solid mentor in our lives. Mentors are a fundamental part of personal and professional growth, providing advice and assistance to help guide mentees when facing various obstacles.
So, you've decided to start a mentorship program within your organisation but don't know where to start. This doesn't need to be a stressful experience and should be an exciting and fun time for you and your employees. One of the greatest hurdles seen when recruiting and retaining mentors is the lack of understanding of what makes an exceptional mentor and what's required of them.
Here are the 5 qualities to look out for when recruiting a great mentor:
Ability to give feedback
Communication is an essential skill of any invaluable mentor, it is equally important that the mentor can share actionable feedback with their mentee. When recruiting a mentor you need the individual to be able to deliver feedback in a helpful, kind and constructive manner. The role of a mentor isn’t to tell their mentee what to do but willingly guide and support them. An exceptional mentor doesn't shy away from being honest just to shield the feelings of their mentee, with feedback being crucial to professional and personal development. A person that can provide both long and short-term feedback is an asset to any organisation, assisting the mentee to become the professional they aspire to be. They should be capable and help distinguish the mentees strengths, making the mentee feel empowered at the end of a meeting.
Relevant experience and knowledge
It may seem like the apparent option, but your mentor should have the right amount of knowledge and expertise within the industry. In the case of professional mentoring, they should be within a related role, industry or have overcome similar dilemmas faced by the mentee. This doesn't imply that the mentor needs to have the solutions to every obstacle, as a genuinely skilled mentor is prepared to learn beside their mentee and find joy in gaining new knowledge. Although selecting an individual with a wreath of knowledge is greatly advantageous to the mentee and the business, you should look for someone with just 5 to 10 years of relevant experience. The modern workplace is evolving constantly, so it's imperative to have a mentor with the most applicable skills and wisdom.
Enthusiasm and dedication
A great mentor needs to be available for their mentee and passionate about their position. When recruiting a mentor you need to ensure they can commit to the role, make sure to be clear with them what your company and the mentee needs, creating a schedule that satisfies both individuals. As important as dedication to the role is, the enthusiasm the mentor shows during the initial meeting is also incredibly essential. A mentor who can show a positive and enthusiastic manner throughout the good and bad times is sure to motivate your employee when they face any difficulties. Make sure to recruit a mentor who will be delighted by seeing their mentee make noticeable changes and becoming successful.
Communication and listening skills
Having both verbal and non-verbal communication skills are expected from any mentor. These skills are typically rated the most important qualities of a great mentor and are crucial to developing a trusting and long-term relationship. Look for someone who can devote an equal amount of time to both listening and talking. A person who can take the time to fully understand the needs of their mentee and help them to be more effective, making sure to reflect on the answers of the mentee and offer helpful feedback.
They value learning
Remember, a great mentor values learning and should want to pass that value to anyone they come in contact with. An individual who fully understands that although they may be an expert, it's perfectly fine to not know the answers to everything. An effective mentor never stops learning and researches ways in which they can learn new skills and methods to become more efficient at their role. They will be interested in distributing their knowledge with and be willing to admit that the mentee may have answers to questions they do not. A mentor who is willing to not only advise but learn from their mentee is someone you need onboard.
Final thoughts
Recruiting a mentor doesn't need to be a stressful and complicated time. Finding one that works for your employees, will be a highly valuable experience, benefiting the business all around. There are various quantities discussed throughout that provide you with a great starting point, keep these in mind before you set out on your exploration for the perfect mentor.
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- The 5 Important Qualities To Look For When Recruiting Mentors - April 13, 2023
