Mentoring

Its funny how things work out. Three years ago I was sat in Donnington Services on the M1 waiting for my new mentor to arrive for out monthly meeting. Today I write this blog in anticipation on my mentee turning up for our first meeting. I am really looking forward to seeing if we can make this mentoring relationship work and count it a privilege to be asked to join an old friend on a new chapter of his life. I want to spend the time I have today to look at why mentoring is important in a leaders life and how it impacts both mentor and mentee.

So why is mentoring important?

When I met with my mentor a few weeks ago he said "that he never had such a formal relationship as a mentor but has always had mentors in his life." This is a helpful insight into understanding the role a mentor plays and how it can influence not just your current situation but the future ones too. Mentoring is not a new found obsession in leadership but an model that has been around for a long time. It the bible we find evidence of this; Elijah had Elisha, Joshua had Moses and the disciples had Jesus. Jesus was a mentor to 12 people over a three year period. It was intensive and very purposeful and deeply rewarding for all involved. Mentoring, at its best, provides an environment where honestly and truth flow freely and, over time, development of the mentee's spiritual health and professional competency are brought to account and developed. This is key in desiring to become a better leader, and all good leaders should want to be better ones! Mentoring also allows the mentee to have someone where anything should be able to be discussed. This gives the mentee a safe place to vent their frustrations, speak openly about certain situations or also person struggles. Leadership can be a lonely place and an outlet such as this will provide invaluable.

So what benefits are there?

I want to begin by saying that Mentoring isn't about what you get out of it. Mentoring is costly for both mentee and mentor so must be entered into with resect and and expectation that it will challenge and change who you are. That said, there will be signs of a positive relationship between mentor and mentee. These could be:

Confidence in professional life - Feeling like you have a grip on what is required of you and improving. People may comment on this in your setting.
Healthy and Family life - There will be fewer complaints from spouse or children that you are out to much or not attentive enough to their needs. Enjoying being at home and not wanting to work all the time.
Feeling energised after your meeting - you will come away from your mentor meeting ready for anything. You will feel an inch taller and better equipped to face difficult situation that may arise. You will also have a deeper desire to put thing in place that you have been meaning to for a while. Released - It's good to talk was an old slogan of BT and is true in mentoring. Often, being able to vocalise something bring clarity in our thoughts as to the way to proceed.

These give a flavour of how the mentee can be impacted and subsequently provide some markers for what to look out for if a relationship isn't working.

The mentor will also be provide with many blessings from listening and question another in their leadership journey. It is always exciting and interesting to witness another growth and development. As a mentor you get to see it close up. Also, as you mentor another, you will also be challenged in your own calling/appointment/vocation as to what you need to develop and be held to account for. It is a sobering thought to know that another trust you with their inner feelings, emotions and struggles even though you often feel the same.

Ultimately, being mentored or being a mentor is a honour and privilege. It is also a releif to know that someone is willing and ready to listen to a leaders heart, calling and hopes for their life.

Matt

(this was written a few weeks back but have only just got round to editing and posting)