The Chronicle Herald
January 28, 2009

Barb Stegemann

WHO MENTORED YOU?

This year January has been declared National Mentoring Month in the United States by the Harvard School of Public Health. A mentor is defined as “one who thinks.”

Mentoring is one of the best ways to access human capital. And research has shown that mentoring helps advance careers.

In Homer’s Odyssey we read about the first mentor, who interestingly appears to have been a woman disguised as a man. The goddess Athena became the guardian and teacher of Telemachus. At the recent Leading Women’s Luncheon in Halifax, the female panellists were all asked if they had been mentored. All had strong mentors throughout their careers. All said they could not lead without having mentors. And all of their mentors had been men.

It caused us all to pause and reflect.

Recently, I was asked to talk to local college students on the subject of mentorship. Many of the students were concerned that a mentor would want you to become exactly like them. Mentors do not want you to become like them.

A mentor wants you to become a leader in your field, in your community. They see your potential. They are proof that living and leading successfully is possible regardless of the challenges and obstacles.

What does a mentor look like? They care. They bring a vast network. They inspire you.

There are two types of mentorship: informal and formal. Mentorship that is informal is organic and is established on its own. Formal mentorship is organized in a structured environment like a workplace and develops employees. Some workplaces pair up new employees with more seasoned members of the team so they have access to advice.

This kind of investment in human capital has shown that mentored employees are twice as likely to stay with the company long term. Mentors instil incredible loyalty, whether formal or informal.

One of the most public figures promoting mentorship is Oprah Winfrey. Interviewed by the Harvard School, she said, “Nobody makes it alone in the world without some form of mentorship.” The talk show host believes mentorship shows people that anyone can make it.

As I prepared my talk for the students, I asked leaders in our own community about the people who mentored them. They were people from all genders, cultures and backgrounds, but cut a broad swath across all professions. The important part was not what they did, but that they cared deeply about the future of the people they mentored.

A mentor challenges you to stretch out of your comfort zone. Mentors ask questions of you and put challenges forth. It is very Socratic.

A couple of leaders I spoke with were mourning the loss of their mentors. It is very difficult when a mentor dies. And if it is of any comfort to those who have lost their mentors, you must know that your mentor lives on in you. That wisdom and guidance is now reflected in your work and approach to others, and their leadership will continue to be passed on. That is the legacy of mentorship.

Reference: The Chronicle Herald