It is so easy for one to dismiss the role of mentors in business, especially in the digital age, since they can easily find any information they need. Nevertheless, the internet and other sources of information might lack crucial advice that one can only get from a business mentor. It is also worth noting that the perks of mentorship cut both ways: both the mentor and the mentee gain something.
Benefits of Mentorship to the Mentee
Ideally, a mentor has years of experience in a given business field, and over the years, they gain wisdom that helps in complex decision-making situations.
In most cases, the mentor and the mentee are in the same field; there is a probability that the mentor has gone through a fair share of the challenges the mentee is currently going through. Therefore, they can share valuable insights on how they overcame them.
Besides, having a mentor gives entrepreneurs a chance to share their ideas before implementing them. They can critique those ideas, leading to progressive ideas. They also challenge the mentees to do better since they can help overcome the fear of judgment or failure.
Most importantly, having a mentor increases the chances of getting investors. Understandably, investors tend to be skeptical sometimes, especially towards new businesses. But with a reputable mentor, one can easily convince investors.
Benefits of Mentorship to the Mentor
While mentorship goes a long way to helping the mentee, it is also a win-win situation. It gives mentors a chance to display their leadership skills. They set the pace for their mentees, propelling the business forward.
Mentorship also allows mentors to interact with their mentees. In the process, mentees can confide in their mentors. If the mentor is the employer, their employees tend to commit more to the company. As a result, employees can even go above and beyond to take more challenging roles.
Mentorship is also an excellent way for marketplace leaders to show the world what their businesses stand for. For instance, women are still underrepresented in mainstream industries. Mentoring these underrepresented groups sends out a message of inclusivity. This goes a long way in building a company’s brand.
The Bottom line
Mentorship holds so much wisdom that one can never find in books. It is also an intelligent succession plan that grooms talent to ensure industries continue to thrive.