igence in pairing them with someone who can actually provide the individual with help.
Not every employee will need a mentor. But every mentee does need a mentor who can help him or her to excel.
2. Reward Employees Who Take Their Mentoring Responsibilities Seriously
This is an extra duty on top of their usual work, and should be rewarded as such. This not only rewards those who are responsible, but it also encourages others to develop their own leadership potential.
3. Re-Assign the Individual Who Is Being Mentored
This, of course, is if you see a mentoring relationship that doesn’t work. The importance of mentoring can only be realized when it is successful. An individual who is assigned to the wrong mentor is more likely to learn bad habits or to end up leaving the job.
4. Train Your Mentors
A great deal of information can be transmitted through a normal working relationship. But you are enacting a mentoring program because you are looking for specific changes.
Let your mentors know what you are looking for – this will be your best chance to enact useful change. Don’t micromanage these relationships. But do provide a good guide map for how they can be successful.
5. Be Patient
It takes time for a mentoring program to take hold. This happens especially in a company that hasn’t previously expressed the importance of mentoring.
You’re looking for long-term results, not a short-term gain. Don’t stop the program because you don’t see major improvements in a few weeks or even months.
To the Reward
The importance of mentoring cannot be overstated. It helps businesses to retain employees, and helps employees to adapt to new businesses. It also works as a great method of identifying potential leadership candidates. Your business might not have a program in place yet. But it can begin the process by identifying individuals who need help and those who are best suited to help them.
Do you think a mentoring program can help your business? Have you already seen the importance of mentoring first hand? If so, be sure to leave a comment – we’re looking forward to hearing about your experiences in the field.
The images are from depositphotos.com.