Embrace the Power of Mentorship
Mentoring is a powerful relationship where a mentor shares wisdom, support, and foresight to help a less experienced or challenged person grow personally and professionally. While traditionally, a mentor guides a mentee, the best mentoring relationships involve mutual learning and growth. January, designated International Mentoring Month, celebrates these vital relationships and encourages mentors and mentees to engage in this transformative process.
Key Dates to Remember
- January: National Mentoring Month—A time to celebrate and promote the value of mentoring.
- January 17: International Mentoring Day—A Day for sharing stories, photos, and videos that highlight the impact of mentoring.
- October 27: National Mentor Day—A Day to honor the role of mentors and the positive change they bring.
Special Mentoring Events
- I Am a Mentor Day: A day for volunteer mentors to reflect on their role and their mentees’ impact on their lives.
- International Mentoring Day: This day is dedicated to conversations and recognition, where inspiring mentoring stories and messages are shared globally.
My Mentoring Journey
As a mentor for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, I experienced firsthand the reciprocal benefits of mentoring. While I was there to guide my mentee, I found that I learned just as much from her. Our one-year commitment has blossomed into an ongoing relationship built on mutual respect and growth. This is the true essence of mentoring—relationships that develop and evolve.
Beyond this, I continue to mentor in various ways, from guiding my Global Protocol Academy trainees through virtual retreats to fostering an author community for current and prospective writers. I also support speaker colleagues wherever there is a need or desire for mentorship.
Five Tips for Successful Mentoring
Keisha Jean-Baptiste, (former) Program Coordinator for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, offers the following tips for mentors:
- Begin with Your Own Experiences:
- Reflect on what you wish you had known earlier in your career.
- Share your career path and the lessons you’ve learned.
- Think about the mentors who influenced you and what you gained from those relationships.
- Share What You Know Now:
- Be open about both your successes and failures.
- Model leadership skills and share your work ethics and values.
- Provide insight and wisdom that can help guide your mentee’s journey.
- Provide Perspective:
- Help your mentee recognize her strengths and areas for growth.
- Offer candid feedback, as your perspective might be new for your mentee.
- Enjoy the Benefits of Being a Mentor:
- Embrace the two-way exchange of advice and perspectives.
- Find fulfillment in passing on your wisdom and experiences to others.
- Know the Limits of Mentoring:
- Understand that you don’t need to have all the answers.
- Expect some challenges, but don’t let them deter you—keep going, and things will improve.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Whether you’ve been a mentor or a mentee or are interested in becoming one, now is the perfect time to get involved. Mentorship is a win-win situation that fosters growth and learning for both parties. Share your mentor or mentee experience and inspire others to embark on their mentoring journey.
Spotlight on Philanthropy
Visit our Philanthropy Spotlight to learn more about organizations like Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, which make a significant impact through mentoring and other good works.
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