Whether you’re a student, a professional or an applicant, it is easy to get discouraged, isolated, discontent and confused due to the things happening around you. We all go through situations where we feel lost; not knowing the next step to take.

When you feel this way, then it’s time to get the help of a more experienced person to put you through the area of conflict. 

According to Loren J. Norris "If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before."

In today’s post, we’ll discuss; who a mentor is, The role of a mentor and the benefits of mentoring and being mentored.

WHO IS A MENTOR? 

Can you imagine what a great experience it would be to have someone who would take his time to get to know you and the challenges you are facing and then use their understanding and personal experiences to help you improve? That “someone” is your mentor.

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own."- Benjamin Disraeli

A mentor is often a more experienced individual who guides a less experienced individual by building trust and modelling positive behaviours. 

While each of us develops at our own pace, this type of influence can have many positive and lasting effects.

ROLES OF A MENTOR

Do you know that many people attribute part of their professional growth to the guidance of a patient mentor who challenged them to think differently and open their eyes and mind to different perspectives?

 Let's dive into the benefits of being a mentee

BENEFITS OF BEING A MENTEE

1. Gain practical advice, encouragement and support

As a mentee, you have the privilege of getting more practical advice coming from someone who has passed through that particular phase of life.

2. Learn from the experiences of others

The advantage of learning from other people's experiences is that you don’t get to waste time on trial and error.

  3. Increase your social and academic confidence

You gain more confidence because you’ve got the right information

4. Identify goals and establish a sense of direction

Your mentor helps you identify your goals and sets you on the right track 

5. Gain valuable insight into the next stage of your career

Being mentored helps you advance within your field and connect you with opportunities that you might not have otherwise had access to.

6. Develop your communication, study and personal skills

Conversing with a more experienced person helps to improve your communication skill. 

Is a mentor a leader?

According to John Quincy Adams “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Now let’s find out what are the benefits of being a mentor 

BENEFITS OF BEING A MENTOR

1. Improve communication and personal skills

Your communication skills get better as you get the opportunity of conversing with different people

2. Develop leadership and management qualities

You learn how to lead by holding the hand of a subordinate to lift him up. True leaders are those that help others discover their potentials

3. Reinforce your own study skills and knowledge of your subject

You get the privilege of teaching from your experience 

4. Enhance your CV

Being a mentor can help boost your CV and has an added advantage as it is valued by employers.  

5. Gain recognition for your skills and experience

Being a mentor gives you the privilege of being in your mentee’s success story

6. Gain a sense of fulfilment and personal growth

You get the opportunity to make an impact on the world by teaching from your experiences which increase your self worth

In conclusion, you don’t necessarily need to go through the tough time alone, we at Mentortribes would love to share your burden with you and walk through it together.

Now I'd love to hear from you, do you think it is important for everyone to have a mentor?

Let me know by leaving a comment below.