| I have been a proponent of formal mentoring long before the pandemic made it essential.
Why? Because in a world seduced by the urgent, formal mentoring forces us to prioritize that which is important.
Recently I facilitated a kick-off of a formal mentoring program that was purposefully designed to help newer team members connect with their colleagues. I introduced the formal structure stocked with assigned matches, goal worksheets, calendar invites, pre-meeting agendas, post-meeting notes, a mid-point roundtable, a final showcase of results, and a deliverable.
At the end of the kick-off, one of the mentors raised her hand (on Zoom), and asked, “I don’t understand why we need all of this formality. Can’t we just casually get to know each other and develop relationships?”
To which I replied candidly, “Of course you can! But you’ve been working with these new colleagues for the past two years. You’ve had ample opportunity to casually get to know them and develop relationships with them. And yet you didn’t.”
Conceding, she grimaced and nodded.
Many people argue that we should not ask people to be our mentor because it’s inauthentic, forced, burdensome, even awkward. Instead, they contend that mentoring should evolve organically.
I thought that was a horrible idea even before the pandemic closed the doors on those casual, chance hallway meetings, and forced everyone onto Zoom.
Why the subterfuge? Why take a cagey, covert approach to seeking mentorship? Why not be transparent? Tell people directly that you want to learn from them!
By designating someone a “Mentor,” you:
- Reveal your admiration for them
- Boost their self-esteem
- Communicate respect for their wisdom
- Trigger their pro-social behavior to make a difference
- Add purpose to your conversations with them
Of course, some relationships develop organically without formal titles. But why wait for that to happen to you when you can intentionally create it for you?
By embracing formal mentoring programs and relationships, you can proactively leverage the opportunity.
You shouldn’t feel lucky when you get sage advice from a mentor. You should feel bold and brilliant!
© 2020. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com | www.anntardy.com |
