Something that I didn’t really think about properly until a couple of years ago was how important planning your personal development was, but it is more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to enhance your personal growth is through mentorship. Whether you’re just starting your career, looking to take the next step or simply want to improve yourself and help you in your current role, a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and support.
In this blog I am going to explore the key roles that mentorship plays in personal development and share my experience of being mentored and mentoring other people.
My Experience of Being Mentored
When I became a member of the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, I set out a plan that I wanted to make sure I took benefit from all the benefits of being member was, one of those was the mentoring program. I created my profile and explained the type of mentor I was looking for, at the time of signing up I was just about to become the Head of Technology at Shine, so I am looking to have someone to be a sound board, but also help with forming a professional plan so that I can look to keep expanding.
I reached out to a few people, 2 people came back to me and offered to mentor me, Steve Watt, Chief Information Officer for University of St Andrews and Alistair Reid, Chief Information Officer for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, both offered different perspectives which helped with a few initial projects that I wanted to talk through. After a few months, having 2 mentors was conflicting so I chose to commit working with Steve.
The one activity that Steve asked me to complete, was creating some objectives so that I could work towards them, but allow him to think about how he could help me. I always find it hard self reflecting, so it was quite a hard activity to begin with, but it really help work out what I needed to improve on.
It’s hard to put into words how much mentoring has helped and continuing to help me, I’ve become a more confident person, and boosted my ongoing skills.
Key Roles That Mentorship Plays In Personal Development
1. Guidance and Advice
A mentor offers guidance based on their own experiences and knowledge. They can help you navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and avoid common pitfalls. This advice is often tailored to your specific goals and circumstances, making it highly relevant and actionable.
2. Skill Development
Mentors can help you identify and develop the skills you need to succeed. They can provide feedback on your performance, suggest resources for learning, and even teach you new techniques. This hands-on approach to skill development can accelerate your growth and help you achieve your goals more quickly.
3. Networking Opportunities
Mentors often have extensive networks in their field. They can introduce you to key contacts, recommend you for opportunities, and help you build your own professional network. These connections can open doors that might otherwise remain closed and provide you with valuable opportunities for growth.
4. Accountability
Having a mentor means having someone who holds you accountable. They can help you set realistic goals, track your progress, and stay motivated. This accountability can be a powerful motivator and help you stay focused on your personal development journey.
5. Confidence Building
A mentor can boost your confidence by providing encouragement and positive reinforcement. They can help you recognize your strengths, celebrate your achievements, and build the self-assurance you need to tackle new challenges. This increased confidence can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life.
6. Perspective and Insight
Mentors offer a different perspective on your challenges and opportunities. They can provide insights that you might not have considered and help you see things from a new angle. This broader perspective can lead to more innovative solutions and better decision-making.
My Experience of Mentoring Someone
Using the BCS Mentoring platform again, I enabled my profile to both Mentor & Mentee, using the same process I followed to find a mentor, I viewed the profiles of people looking to be mentored and messaged a few people to offer the mentorship.
Someone reached out to me, and I accepted to be their mentor. I had been a mentor for apprentices at a previous job, but something about this experience was a new challenge for me, but it was been such a rewarding experience seeing someone else boost their confidence and skills and utilising the techniques that my mentor has been doing with me, has been a great help to keep the momentum.
I find being a mentor is a real privilege thing to do.
Conclusion
Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal development. By providing guidance, skill development, networking opportunities, accountability, confidence building, and new perspectives, mentors can help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential. If you haven’t already, consider finding a mentor who can support you on your journey to personal growth.
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