What is mentoring (really)?

I wish the number one question I got asked around twenty times a week was, “Would it be possible for me to give you a million pounds please?” That way, I could fill my home with handmade zebras AND save small businesses while I’m at it. Sadly, it isn’t.

What I tend to get asked a lot about is mentorship and there’s a very good reason for that. When somebody has been around the business block a few times and has been fortunate enough to enjoy some success, we often turn to them to tell us the secret formula.

It is an honour to be in this position and if I could physically mentor all the founders who asked, I absolutely would. However, aside from the small issue of time, I honestly don’t think that’s the answer. Sadly, there is no silver bullet. We are all different. We are all on different journeys. Plus with every year that passes, things change.

What are the benefits of mentorship?

What I do think is important about mentoring is the person-to-person, human interaction that mentorship brings. It’s not full of rules or business lessons. It’s two people connecting which is why we are so desperate for it and it can really help us. Mentoring is also about sharing your skills or insight with someone to help them progress — and I will always believe in collaboration over competition.

Business mentoring: more positive points to consider

According to career development company Halo, 89% of mentees go on to mentor someone themselves and also help contribute to a culture of learning. In traditional workplaces, mentees are five times more likely to be promoted. It was also discovered that mentoring programmes increased minority representation in management from 9% to 24%, and 84% of CEOs said mentors had helped them avoid costly mistakes¹. Seeking guidance makes sense.

What are the 4 Cs of mentorship?

People say that the 4 Cs of mentorship are Conversation, Community, Connection, and Culture — these are some of the benefits it brings. It can help different people in different ways — but there are a few important points to consider first…

1. Mentorship? First think ‘Why do you want a mentor’?

Before you approach anyone, think about why you want a mentor. What are you hoping to get out of it? Bear in mind, they are not going to come along, wave a magic wand and make all the challenges disappear and all your business dreams come true. Even though I’m known as the Fairy Godmother of Small Business, for example, and have publicly committed to supporting this community until I’m 90, I have never walked in anyone else’s shoes. What’s worked for me might not work for you.

Plus, I’m a person not a superhero! You need to be realistic about what you want or expect from your mentor. No one can do your homework for you and you shouldn’t want them to as it won’t get you where you need to go. Nobody can walk the path designed for your feet alone. It’s unique to us all so we must trust in the process.

2. Then think ‘Why do you need a mentor for your career growth?’ or why you might need more than one

It’s highly unlikely you’ll find one person to solve all your business quandaries in one go. There are lots of different elements you’ll need help with:

1. Practical advice
2. Industry opinion
3. Personal growth
4. Emotional support

Now that’s a lot for one person to be an expert in, right? Isn’t it better to get four people who can give you some exceptional advice in their particular area rather than one person who can give you some basic advice about a lot?

3. Consider how to find the right mentor to help you grow

In my experience, people often go straight for the big industry names, thinking that they will be the best people to help. But does that make sense? If someone’s been in the industry for 40 years, can they even remember what it’s like to not have all the knowledge and experience they’ve got? Might it not instead be better to find someone who’s a few years ahead of you on their journey so that they’re much better placed to help and know more about the current context? Or someone specific to your field maybe? A person who can understand how you truly feel about something, not just what you might practically need to do?

I have a strong belief that the universe provides. It will send you the person or people you need to help you on your journey, even if it’s not necessarily who you hoped for or expected.

4. Explore what is the best way to use your time with your mentor

Be clear on the length of time you will be meeting for and when your session should start and finish. Plan it carefully. If you end up going off-road that’s ok but have yourself a plan. It’s also important to respect the person’s time. If they’re meeting you at 1pm, be on time and get to the point.

• Plan your mentoring sessions well in advance.
• Think about how many sessions you think you’ll need. Is it one a month, once every two months or just as a one-off?
• Be clear about this upfront. That way your mentor knows what they are committing to and so that you’re not expecting more than they can give.
• Write everything down when you come out of your meetings. Then you’ll always have it to refer back to.
• Form an action plan off the back of it. It’s not enough to just talk about it, do it.
• Trust your gut. Only you know what is right for you. Your mentor can give you ideas or guidance but what you choose to do with that is up to you.