WHY YOU SHOULD BE A MENTOR
The same Sun Microsystems study that touted the advantages of being mentored showed similar perks for mentors , namely that they are six times more likely to be promoted . And since Forbes reports that 90 percent of employees who have a mentor claim to be happier at work , mentoring can help you achieve higher worker loyalty and retention and create a more positive company culture . It pays to be a mentor and create a cycle of mentorship in your business .
Moore-Zeigler agrees . “ You get that warm , fuzzy feeling from helping someone else , but it ’ s bigger than that ,” she said . “ When you help one person succeed , you help the entire community . If you want to strengthen the local economy , if you want to do something to combat crime , help small business owners and entrepreneurs by mentoring .”
For Traff , choosing to be a mentor is a no-brainer . “ When you meet someone committed to being better , wanting to learn more , and hoping to succeed at something you have already succeeded in , why wouldn ’ t you want to be a part of that ?” she said . “ Let ’ s save the hardship of hard knocks and do positive things together . Mentorship is so rewarding !”
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MENTOR RELATIONSHIP
Once you ’ ve got a mentor , the burden is partially on you to harness mentorship ’ s power . First , set objectives and expectations up front , so you ’ re both on the same page . Moore-Zeigler offered additional tips :
Be honest and willing to share relevant information .
Listen to their advice and follow through ; at least try what they encourage you to do .
Be open to feedback .
TO THE POINT :
Mentorship engages employees and helps them feel involved , which leads to better productivity , improved performance and often , more longevity with your company .
MENTORING RESOURCES
SCORE is a national organization dedicated to helping small businesses succeed using mentoring and education and has a wealth of general information as well as a mentoring “ match making ” service , score . org .
The Small Business Development Center at Alabama State University is under the umbrella of the U . S . Small Business Administration and provides free business advising , education and training . They can be reached at 334-229-4138 .
14 CentrAL Inc !