Mentoring—The Under Utilized Tool in Most Organizations

Mentoring is a tool that is under-utilized and it’s an easy program to implement. I have been privileged to work with organizations that believe in mentoring programs and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with other colleagues, employees, friends and family members. The great thing about mentoring is that when used properly the process creates a win/win situation. Mentoring employees is a positive way to improve business performance. The mentoring process stimulates everyone involved which can also boost communication, introduce new ideas, and promote a satisfying, more open work environment for all stakeholders in the organization.

I read an article by Gregory P. Smith regarding his take on mentoring he said, “Many companies have discovered that the use of a mentor for new employees not only helps them settle into their job and company environment, but also contributes to a lower turn-over rate.” I would agree, so why do organizations fail to use this method to help keep their competitive advantage? I have been able to make a positive turn-around in organizations where employees where unhappy and had no focus, I put in place an in-house mentoring program and I set the stage with open dialogue, matched senior members with newer employees, had an open-door policy for confidential one-one conversations and implemented strategic action plans to achieve success.

Just recently I received a personal note from one of my manager’s that I mentored at a previous organization advising me as to how I personally affected her life, “She impacted my growth personally and professionally more than any other manager I’ve worked with since or before. On a daily basis she acted as coach, counselor giving generously of her time and experienced. She demonstrated confident leadership with her ability to mediate and resolve conflict, she taught me to believe in myself and trust my own instincts and for that I am very thankful.” This type of endorsement is priceless. Organizations looking to make changes should think about implementing in-house mentoring programs which in the long run will have a positive outcome on the company’s bottom line.

Source:

Smith, G. P. Mentoring Helps Reduce Turnover retrieved on June 9, 2009 from http://www.businessknowhow.com/mentor.htm

Cynthia Dawson-Petersen