By Ajay Rai.
The word “mentor” comes from Greek mythology. Ulysses, before setting out on an epic voyage, entrusted his son to the care and direction of his old and trusted friend named Mentor. And Mentor did his job so well that he became a concept we take as the ultimate in life grooming.
In the present scenario, mentoring is seen as a new and highly effective means of identifying and developing high-flyers; to others it is a means of speeding and facilitating the induction of young people in general. Although mentoring was a largely unknown term until the late 1960s, it has become the subject of intense academic study and widespread effective use and experimentation.
Simply put, mentoring is a tool that organizations can use to nurture and grow their people. It can be an informal practice or a formal program, where protégés observe, question, and explore, and Mentors demonstrate, explain and model. The following define basic characteristics of an effective mentoring program.
Deliberate learning as the cornerstone. The mentor performs a tremendous task by promoting intentional learning, which includes capacity building through methods such as instructing, coaching, experience sharing, modeling and advising. Here, the mentee is expected to vigorously follow pursuit of knowledge and skills. What these skills and knowledge are, we will take in detail in forthcoming installments.
Using both failure and success as powerful teachers. Mentors, as leaders of a learning experience, certainly need to share their "how to do it so it comes out right" stories. They also need to share their experiences of failure, ie., "how I did it wrong". Both types of stories are powerful lessons that provide valuable opportunities for analyzing individual and organizational realities. It is now an accepted fact that failure means unexplored opportunities. This approach has produced some great entrepreneurs world over. We will meet some of these giants of achievement in forthcoming installments.
Leadership experiences: The very concept of leadership has changed. It is no more positional. It is now very much functional. Today a leader is what and how he does what he does. A mentor is always a person in leadership position. His personal scenarios, anecdotes and case examples, because they offer valuable, often unforgettable insight, must be shared. Mentors who can talk about themselves and their experiences establish a rapport that makes them "learning leaders." My interaction with you will also tell you where you stand as a leader.
Mentoring as continuous learning. Mentoring is never a one interaction matter. It is a continuous process, tapping into continuous learning that is not an event, or even a string of discrete events. Rather, it is the synthesis of ongoing event, experiences, observation, studies, and thoughtful analyses. Mentoring is a life changing activity and done effectively, is not only very interesting; it is also source of great satisfaction. The challenge is to locate a good and result oriented mentor.
Mentoring as a joint venture. Successful mentoring means sharing responsibility for learning. Regardless of the facilities, the subject matter, the timing, and all other variables. Successful mentoring begins with setting a contract for learning around which the mentor, the protégé, and their respective line managers are aligned. A mentor ends up learning as much as the mentee does.
Mentoring as a partnership: Mentoring is seen as a partnership between the Mentor and the Mentee. This helps us to provide structure, guidance and support needed to succeed in this activity. This helps in:
1.Taking a complete look at Mentee’s current state, including his assumptions and perceptions about their work, themselves and others;
2.Setting relevant and realistic goals for them, based on their own nature and needs;
3.Taking relevant and realistic actions toward reaching their goals; and
4.Learning by continuing to reflect on their actions and sharing feedback with others along the way.
In forthcoming installments, I will be taking in detail basic aspects that help in creating a true, real, and satisfying mentorship.
Until we meet again!
We live in an age of easy vocal communication. Phones, mobiles, and tape recorders have replaced the need of writing letters, notes, inter office memos, etc. It is possible to succeed in a field without being able to write well. Do you think this statement is true? Please explain, with examples. [in 500 words], and send it to me at: Dr Ajay Rai, Post Box 12,Jaipur 302001.
Develop the Entrepreneur in You
Ajay Rai is a Executive Director,TiE Jaypur [Rajastan]
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