Benefits of Mentoring From Mentor and Mentee Perspectives (Focus)

by Stephen Hobbs

There are many benefits for the mentee and mentor in working through a mentoring arrangement. Organizations that support mentoring benefit as well.

Over the years I’ve documented the benefits I’ve derived from serving as a mentor and participating as a mentee. Also, in my position as manager and leader in organizations, I have seen the benefits of mentoring in the workplace. The lists that follow are drawn from my experiences.

Benefits to Mentee

1. become a mentor to another (peer to peer, reverse, new employee, etc.)
2. celebrate opportunities as you realize the life you imaged
3. develop a sharper focus on what matters personally
4. encourage engagement
5. expand network
6. frame the attitude required to fulfill the commitments
7. identify steps necessary to achieve the agreed upon goals
8. outline commitments
9. increase confidence
10. map the future in conversation with the mentor
11. meet and network with people who can lead to opportunities
12. recognize high development status
13. sort out the NEWS from the NOISE
14. support personal career development

From this list – check which benefits are present for you as a mentee.

If you are a mentor, review the list and determine how many are present for your mentee. And where you identify – it’s not present – ask yourself, “So what, now what, and what else can be done to weave the benefit into your mentee’s experience of you and mentoring?”

Benefits to Mentor

1. celebrate inspiration of new ways of working
2. discover various perspectives of the organization of work
3. elevate professional capabilities
4. examine personal and vocational insights
5. experience challenge to existing knowledge and skills
6. explore different ways of thinking
7. feel personal satisfaction
8. gain an ally in promoting healthier workplace
9. learn from alternative approaches
10. leave a legacy (paying it forward)
11. make a contribution to your profession/industry
12. realize your knowledge and skill is valuable to others
13. reflect on mentee’s learning for own development
14. use expertise in new ways

From this list – check which benefits are present for you as a mentor.

If you are a mentee, review the list and determine how many are present for your mentor. And where you identify – it’s not present – ask yourself, “So what, now what, and what else can be done to weave the benefit into your mentor’s experience of you and mentoring?”

Benefits to the Organization

1. advance professional development
2. elevate knowledge capture and transfer
3. encourage retention
4. enhance strategic business initiatives
5. improve human capital
6. increase productivity
7. link employees’ knowledge and information
8. promote continuous improvement
9. reduce turnover costs
10. support diversity of ideas
11. use existing employees as educators

This third list was included for organizational staff that support “push or pull mentoring” programs. The list is meant to be illustrative rather than extensive to highlight what’s possible for the organization.