For a new employee, learning the ropes can be daunting. Whether the person is a graduate fresh out of school or an experienced professional, the notion of ‘meeting expectations’ can be a stressful challenge. These are prime examples of where mentoring can make the transition that little bit smoother, by providing casual knowledge and insights into company culture, standard operating procedures and project backgrounds. This helps the new employee to ‘hit the ground running’ and takes some of the learning curve burden away from management.
Of course, mentoring goes well beyond those first days in the company. Over time, it can also provide a clearer career path for an individual, as well as increasing productivity, bolstering retention, and helping to create a positive and supportive work environment. A good mentor can not only pass along valuable information about specific job responsibilities, but can also explain company policies and methodologies. In addition, an experienced mentor can expand an employee’s network exponentially – something that might otherwise have taken years to achieve.
A company mentor is typically someone who has gained management’s trust to the extent that he or she is considered the ideal person to present the most positive aspects of working in a particular establishment. This would be an individual who is respected by both their superiors and peers alike. Someone who is happy to share their wisdom and insights freely, without feeling in any way threatened.
It is important that the mentor is not perceived as someone who will be involved in evaluating their charge or providing mandatory input into an annual performance review. Instead, they should be seen as a neutral party who will provide sage advice without being judgemental. Research has shown that this type of relationship can have a profoundly positive effect on productivity, as the mentor-mentee relationship realises a mutual desire for achievement and innovation.
This is not all a one-way street either. Mentors can learn a lot from their charges, such as insights about different approaches to doing business gleaned from competitor recruits, or the latest trends in technology from a college graduate. Overall, the designation of mentors is a win-win for the company, with very little down side for any of the parties involved.
