How Mentoring Benefits both Mentor and Mentee

You probably knew that mentoring benefits mentees. But did you realize it benefits both partners?

An effective mentoring relationship involves a special bond of friendship and trust. Both partners must contribute their best efforts for a successful outcome.

Mentoring benefits both mentors and mentees by exerting a positive influence on work ethics, professional development, leadership skills, and motivation.

First, mentoring has a positive influence on work ethics. Research suggests that mentees tend to emulate the discipline and work ethics demonstrated by their mentors. An interesting side effect is that modeling good work habits can be beneficial to the mentor as well.

Consider the following case:

"My mentor modeled disciplined work habits and a strong work ethic. After working closely with her for several months, I found myself adopting her behaviors."

"I tried to set a good example for my mentee and ended up operating at a higher performance level myself."

Second, mentoring contributes to the mentee's professional development. The beauty of the close relationship between mentors and mentees is that it facilitates individualized professional development that contributes to the mentee's career goals. Another advantage is that mentees receive on-the-job training tailored to the demands of the job.

A mentor can help the mentee conduct a comprehensive skills assessment, which includes the mentee's self-assessment along with evaluations from his co-workers, supervisor, and mentor. Any of these alone is not enough to produce an accurate assessment.

The mentor and mentee work together to prepare the mentee's professional development plan, which is based on the mentee's career goals and the current demands of his job. Often, the mentee drafts the plan and takes it to his mentor for suggestions.

The mentee's training is based on her professional development plan. She may receive training directly from her mentor, other company experts, or outside sources. Her training shouldn't be limited to just what her mentor can provide.

A third benefit of mentoring relationships is that they develop leadership skills in both mentors and mentees. The mentor models leadership skills in her interactions with her mentee, giving the mentor additional opportunities to hone her own skills. At the same time, the mentee has a chance to observe and learn from the mentor's example and begins to demonstrate leadership skills of his own.

Meanwhile, mentors often find their own careers revitalized by the challenges of mentoring. Being exposed to the new ideas and enthusiasm of mentees also can rekindle passion for their work.

When mentoring relationships are working well, both partners invest time and energy, and both realize a return on their investment.