The Benefits of Mentorship
Organizations hold within them a mostly unharnessed source of power – their team members. Each person in an organization has their own set of skills, knowledge, and stories that can be shared to enhance the entire organization.
Whether with peers or leaders, mentorship paves the way for multiple ROIs (Return on Investments).
Strengthen Organizational Culture
Where mentorship happens, workplace culture improves. A feeling of open communication builds trust within an organization. When people feel personally supported in their growth, their performance improves.
Mentorship can create connections across departments and help to eliminate the effects of silos within an organization. Different business units become more aware of others’ impacts and areas of concern.
A more comprehensive vision of the organization compels people to think about the big picture, how they’re connected to it, and what they can do to push organizational goals and objectives forward.
Photo credit: Disability:IN
Encourage Innovation by Creating Psychological Safety
When there is trust, new ideas are more likely to surface.
When there is trust, new ideas are more likely to surface. Mentorship enables people to feel heard and to openly listen to those with whom they may not have a direct connection or daily contact.
This openness to listen and to share adds to an individual’s list of trusted associates and advisers within the organization. Mentorships allow for the humble discovery of growth opportunities.
A safe space to learn and to connect can create a culture of psychological safety. Where people feel heard, they are more likely to feel valued and connected, which enhances overall mental health.
Increase Positive Customer Outcomes
Mentors and mentees feel more confident in their roles.
When mentorship supports client facing services, both mentors and mentees feel more capable and confident in their roles, resulting in better service to clients.
Mentorship allows for personal and professional growth. That growth can be witnessed in employees’ ability to become more proficient at determining customers’ needs and facilitating positive outcomes.
Cross-Train to Ensure Operational Sustainability
Mentorship can be used for skills-based knowledge transfer.
One key to the long-term sustainability of any organization is the cross-training of team members. Mentorship can be used for skills-based knowledge transfer.
Whether it’s covering for sick days and vacation or having extra support for new team members, skill sharing allows greater flexibility in the planning and execution of daily organizational tasks.
Having cross-trained personnel before you need them takes the pressure off planning teams. It enhances managers’ ability to ensure continued productivity in the face of sudden or unknown challenges.
Improve Outcomes at Every Level
Improved workplace culture, increased trust, customer retention, and long-term sustainability are just some of the advantages of having a mentorship program supporting the foundation of your business and your succession planning.
Mentorship is a small investment of time that provides lasting outcomes and that will serve your organization at every level.