5 mentoring models that can grow your business
Today, in a world where the demand for new skills seems to outpace the competencies of the existing workforce – mentoring has become paramount, and the demand for robust mentoring initiatives that deliver quantifiable results is at an all-time high.
We’ve taken a look at five mentoring models that can help bridge the skills gap in your business and bring you newly found levels of success. How many of these are you practicing?
Reverse mentoring
A relatively new concept, reverse mentoring involves a young professional who coaches senior managers on modern technological developments, including social media, cloud computing, and digital marketing trends. The rationale behind this approach is that the younger generation is more attuned to the tech sphere, and can teach older professionals how to easily integrate progressive tools and techniques into their day to day activities.
Self-directed mentoring
Typically, self-directed mentoring requires a curious and motivated worker to take the initiative and contact a potential advisor, usually a senior manager in the workplace or an experienced leader within their industry, to meet regularly and provide training and/or career advice that is directly relevant to the mentee’s professional goals. Self-directed mentoring is often preferred by millennials who thrive off of independent development.
Speed mentoring
Speed mentoring involves mentees meeting with a number of mentors for a short period of time during one mentoring session (yes, a bit like speed dating!). With this method, you can choose to seek advice on one topic alone, or ask each mentor a different question. Although this model requires the most in terms of preparation, it allows you to gain an outside perspective on the professional choices you’ve made, which can be extremely beneficial for your career outlook.
Peer mentoring
Peer mentoring has proven to be one of the most effective mentoring models, as two colleagues work together and exchange their expertise and experience – forming a mutually beneficial mentor-mentor relationship. Moreover, working with someone at your experience level means you’re likely to retain the skills you’ve acquired. Why? Because your peers tend to be more aware of the challenges you face than those who are considerably above you on the corporate ladder.
Online mentoring
The opportunity to connect with thousands of people in your profession means career advice is now just one click away. Additionally, the availability of online education means that international students too can benefit from online mentoring services provided by their tutors as well as industry experts.
Are you passionate about employee development? Do you enjoy working with others? If so, you may want to consider earning your MSc in Leadership and Human Resource Management.
More insight from our blog
-
Read More
Is a career in the oil and gas industr...
Thinking where to direct your energy? Oil and gas management could be the career chal...
-
Read More
Everything you need to know about Engi...
-
Read More
How does HR add value to an organisati...
As a non-revenue generating department, HR teams must fight against the threat of aut...
-
Read More
Different styles of leadership: Which ...
Leadership is a highly sought after skill in a range of career paths. But just what i...
-
Read More
A career in business sustainability
We take a look at why business sustainability is so important, and how you can build ...
-
Read More
What is the difference between a regul...
Find out everything you need to know about traditional MBA and Executive MBA programm...
Join our community
Read more!