Date: 14 September 2005

Establishing a mentoring culture in an organisation is beneficial to both the individual and the organisation. It is obvious that mentoring adds value to the mentee (or protégé) in terms of his/her development, but the mentor also benefits from the interaction with the mentee.

Benefits to the mentee

• The mentee gains a sense of self-worth and self-confidence. He/she feels that the mentor, as well as the organisation, value his/her as an individual, rather than as a mere cog in the managerial wheel.
• Through the mentor the mentee learns about the formal culture of an organisation, its values, objectives and management style. The mentor, at the same time, advises the mentee on how to promote him/herself within the organisation.
• The mentor also assists the mentee by interpreting the informal culture, i.e. the internal politics and do’s don’t, of the organisation for mentee.
• The mentor serves as a role model , a tangible symbol of what the mentee can achieve. Those receiving mentorship usually exhibit behavioural patterns consistent with high achievement.
• The mentor involves the mentee in his/her own projects, providing both experience and exposure he/she would otherwise not receive. The mentee gains insight into management processes by observing the mentor closely.
• The mentee has a legitimate source of advice and information the mentor.
• Young and ambitious people usually undergo periods of frustration when they realise that their progress up the company ladder is slower than they initially anticipated. The mentor demonstrates an active interest in their careers, thus serving as a support, a counsellor who assists them to recognise that the organisation has long term plans for them.

Benefits to the Mentor

• Mentors can build their own support base within the organisation by assisting a mentee’s career.
• They also build their own capacity to lead people.
• Managers who identify high-potential employees enjoy a ‘halo effect’, especially when their mentees are successful.
• The mentor gains experience and knowledge by directing the learning experience of his/her mentee, and can provide for his/her own personal development by delegating some of the work to the mentee.

Benefits to the Organisation

• The improved morale and greater career satisfaction which results from mentoring, leads to greater staff involvement and commitment to the organisation, thus reducing staff turnover.
• A mentoring programme ensures that managerial skills are transferred from senior to junior levels. This also allows for the smooth transfer of company culture, thus reducing the likelihood of tension when the mentee is promoted to a senior position.
• Mentoring enhances the competence of both mentor and mentee. This directly increases the organisation’s efficiency and indirectly improves staff morale.

Investing time, effort and money in the cultivation of a mentoring programme in an organisation thus enhances both the happiness, job satisfaction and effectiveness of mentors and mentees. The outcome for the organisation is reaching its goals, while empowering its people.

Author: Dr. Marius Schalekamp