In addition to nurturing and developing skills, mentorship remains a key strategy for us to connect, build our leadership skills and share knowledge across our business.
As iOCO transforms, our mentorship application will follow suit and re-invent itself within the HR ecosystem. This ecosystem aims to be a one-stop experience, where mentorship is accessible from the same ecosystem as payslips, application for leave and approvals.
To date the mentorship platform has had over 62 registered mentees as well as more than 43 mentors. There is a clear need for more mentors and we encourage everyone to utilise the platform and connect.
For inspiration, here are 10 tips for a successful mentorship relationship (which are just as helpful for client engagements too):
Clarify both of your expectations
Let your mentor know what you are hoping to get out of the mentorship. Whether it’s advice on maintaining a healthy work/life balance or fine-tuning a specific skill, filling your mentor in on your goals will help clarify how best to proceed. Also ask your mentor what they want out of the program, this opens communication and sets the tone for a two-way relationship.
Confirm the logistics
Confirm when and how frequently you’ll meet and communicate, whether face-to-face, by phone or via mail.
Help your mentor help you
Once you settle on a goal for the mentorship and frequency of communications, it’s helpful to be specific about your needs. Think about whether you’re looking for encouragement or perhaps need something more hands-on.
Respect your mentor’s time
Showing effort or results in-between meetings is another way of letting your mentor know that time with you is well spent.
Be patient
In the early days of your mentorship, focus on getting to know your mentor and asking questions within their area of expertise before building up to more complex or time-intensive requests.
Have fun!
Being open to enjoying the process will help break the ice and build trust. The more at ease you are, the better you’ll both be able to communicate and collaborate.
Keep your mentor informed
If you don’t meet with your mentor on a regular basis, make sure you keep them up to speed on any major changes in your goals and career path.
Have a clear plan
If you want to shift the focus of your mentorship, make sure you have a plan in place to do so. Be prepared for changes in schedules and be willing to compromise to ensure the best possible outcome.
Reciprocate and give back
If your mentorship is a success, consider paying it forward. This includes asking your mentor how you can help them and becoming a mentor to others.
