Changing the narrative of mentorship in the workplace

The workplace can be a scary and intimidating place, especially if you feel like you are left to fend for yourself.

Deadlines, new projects, and meetings are all aspects of the workplace that are a lot easier when you are a part of a team – or when you have a good leader to look up to.

Liane Davey (2016) talks about leveraging one’s network, and in particular, how your network and the possible mentors in your network can provide two things – instrumental support and psychosocial support. One supports ideas, advice and a pathway to success while the other supports personal development both inside and outside the workplace.

So great, we know the benefits of a mentor, but obtaining one is a lot easier said than done. And to add another level of complexity, it’s hard for someone who feels inexperienced or inadequate to assume the confidence and ask another colleague for mentorship.

As a mentee, you don’t want to bother others for advice or guidance.

As a mentor, you don’t want to assume someone wants or even needs your support.

The traditional advice given to young mentees - “Take a chance!” “Get your name out there!” “Go for it!”

The traditional advice given to experienced leaders – “You never know who you are influencing” “Pay it forward”

Etc. etc. etc.

I don’t vibe with that advice – and if you’re following my content and my blog, I don’t think you do either.

SO let’s switch up the narrative.

+ As a mentee, can you think about everything you do have to offer??

+ As a mentor, can you think of areas you need to improve?

+ As a mentee, can you target 2-3 individuals you think would be receptive to your outreach?

+ As a mentor, can you analyze the social or business whitespace of personal development you lack?

With the never-ending benefits of being a mentor and having being mentored, it is without a doubt important to have the support of someone in your corner.

I believe that the workplace benefits from civil communication, but I also know how hard it is to practice civil communication without someone standing by you and standing up for you. I realize how much harder the workplace is when you don’t have a sidekick (or a couple) so I’ll continue to provide resources, analysis, and insight into how mentorship can be explored and utilized for a productive relationship to both.

References -

Davey, L. (2016). Everyone’s network should provide two things. Harvard Business Review, 36(3).