Mentorship for Professional and Personal Growth
According to Cho’s (2011) clinical research study, individuals that had a mentor “have higher retention at their academic institution and report greater self-efficiency, and improved career satisfaction.”
Since entering college, mentorship has been the main influence on my personal and professional growth. Coming into a new environment surrounded by all new people can be intimidating. Mentorship provides a great support resource for such a critical point in life. The skills and stories that mentors share will prepare you for life’s current challenges and those on the road ahead.
Making the most out of a mentorship relationship
A mentor has the ability to set a vision with their mentee and offer a unique point of view. Mentors should help their mentee create a plan to reach their fullest potential. The relationship thrives off of each individual equally bringing different insights and experiences to the table. Mentors have been where you are right now and can alert you of any road bumps ahead. It’s important to trust your own thoughts and not put all your decision making power in a mentor. A good mentor will help strategize with you rather than make decisions for you.
Mentors care about a mentees development. Respecting a mentor’s time by being fully present in the conversation with a mentor will ensure a successful relationship. Scheduling frequent times to meet up with a mentor will keep them up to date on your progress and challenge areas.
Setting Goals
Brainstorming is a huge part of setting goals that are attainable, measurable and relevant. I personally gain so much value and clarity on my future by doing “white board sessions” with my mentor. We take about 30 minutes and jot down everything I want to talk through and come up with a plan that support both my personal and professional goals.
Specific to-dos provide accountability towards individual goals and objectives for personal and professional development. Mentors empower their mentees to push boundaries, take risks and reach higher than they would have otherwise. The major value a mentor brings to the relationship is motivating their mentee not just to think about it but in actually accomplishing it.
Self — Reflection
The final piece to developing oneself personally and professionally is evaluating the process. It’s important to identify where you wanted to be, where are you now, and the steps you took to get there. A mentor is a catalyst in contributing to the recognition of these three pieces. It can be very rewarding to get feedback and access the hard work put into your professional and personal progression.
I can be tough to always be motivated and always be on the optimistic side of life. Developing a relationship with a mentor help support healthy growth towards your goals. Mentors will be your role model, friend, and inspiration for why you want to put in the hard work to get to where you want to be. A mentor can only be there next to you, but it is true YOU who is making strides towards your future success.
Becoming a Mentor
Becoming a mentor comes with the choice to be a role model. A good mentor leads by example and invest their time to help others achieve success.
Not everything is a teachable moment. It is important to develop your relationship with a mentee by also knowing to listen first. Guiding them through their obstacles can be more valuable than telling them how to get through it. Direction gives mentees confidence in the steps it takes to support their personal and professional development.
Once you are able to recognize what you have learned from your life experiences, you are able to empower others to challenge themselves to have their own meaningful experiences.
References:
Cho, Christine S., MD, MPH, Ramanan, Radhika A., MD, MPH, & Feldman, Mitchell D., MD, MPhil. (2011). Defining the ideal qualities of mentorship: A qualitative analysis of the characteristics of outstanding mentors. American Journal of Medicine, 124(5), 453–458. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2010.12.007
