16 Dec 4 reasons why mentoring is at the top of this year’s Christmas list!

Christmas is a time for giving and as the world of work continues to change at an ever increasing pace, it got us thinking – in this new era, what is the best gift companies could receive in 2019?

MENTORING! A gift that is just as good to give  as it is to receive!

In 2018 the most successful companies (both large and small) have risen to the challenge of engaging, developing and retaining their best people and they use mentoring to make a difference.

With 71% of the Fortune 500 companies offering formal mentoring programmes to their employees it turns out that mentoring is no longer a ‘nice to have’. A well set-out mentoring programme is instrumental in delivering performance.

So what are the 4 different types of mentoring that exist in today’s workplace?

1. Developmental Mentoring: Here, the focus is on developing capability and helping the individual realise their potential.  In Developmental Mentoring the mentee is responsible for their own learning and development and for setting the direction for the relationship. There are many benefits that a mentor can bring to a mentee – helping them identify new opportunities, introducing new ideas, career guidance and networking contacts to name but a few. One key benefit that can be easily overlooked is the positive impact developmental mentoring can have on the mentee’s confidence. We’ve seen it in practice – confidence helps people to take on the world with energy and determination.
2. Executive Mentoring: Why do leaders need mentors? It can be very lonely at the top! Executive mentors work with those in senior positions often supporting individuals through a major transition or helping them think through complex strategic decisions – acting as a ‘sounding board’. Mentors can test the mentee’s logic and challenge them by offering different perspectives, rooted in the mentor’s own experience and observations.
3. Diversity Mentoring: Builds an understanding of the value of diversity in the workplace and creates an environment of equal opportunities. It ensures that the talents of minority or disadvantaged groups are developed and fully utilised – people are encouraged and supported to build a career path.
4. Ethical Mentoring: Ethical mentors can be a huge asset to organisations facing complex moral and ethical questions. An ethical mentor provides an empathic ear and helps mentees to think through complex situations in a safe, boundaries and supportive way. 

So, as you settle down to your mince pie and mulled wine, take a moment to reflect on how your organisation might benefit by introducing Mentoring.  Why not make it your New Years resolution to talk to Edinburgh Coaching Academy about how Mentoring could work in your organisation?