Mentoring is a term that's commonly heard but not always fully understood. In a technical team, it's often seen as simply grooming someone on a topic, sharing knowledge, and helping them improve—these aspects are certainly part of it.
However, as you progress in your career, there comes a time when you seek advice or validation for your thoughts and approaches. At this stage, these conversations become more personal and are shared only with a select group of trusted individuals.
This is where the mentoring offered true support while grooming and preparing to take on more.
Some key takeaways from your reflection are:
Collaborative Thinking: Even when someone feels competent, discussing ideas and decisions with a mentor can reveal new insights or considerations. External review can bring out nuances that may have been overlooked, ensuring a more thorough approach.
Specific Feedback and Perspectives: Rather than generic advice, mentoring can provide actionable suggestions and fresh perspectives that are directly relevant to the individual’s current challenges. This can be a catalyst for improvement and helps guide the person in a clear direction.
Motivation and Confidence Building: Mentoring is not just about providing technical guidance—it’s also about being a source of encouragement. Mentors often play the role of confidence boosters, reminding their mentees of their capabilities, even when self-doubt creeps in.
A Trusted Support System: The most valuable aspect of mentoring, as you’ve pointed out, is having someone you can trust to validate your work. These relationships often become personal, where mentees can seek both professional advice and emotional reassurance.
A Constant Source of Feedback: Having someone who can validate your work provides a level of reassurance that is crucial for personal growth. It's comforting to have a mentor who can offer constructive criticism or simply give the green light when things are on the right track.
#SLIThoughtLeadership
