Mentoring
What do Women get from Mentoring?
Women as mentees:
- can demonstrate their performance (how good their work is) and
- increase their exposure (what others know about them).
Women interviewed by McKenzie outlined the following benefits they had gained from mentoring:
- Understanding the politics of the organisation and how to get things done.
- Becoming more visible in the organisation by taking on special roles.
- Getting recognition for contributions other than one's normal job.
- Raising their profile in the organisation.
- Meeting influential people who can help.
- Planning and taking charge of one's own career development.
- Becoming more confident and optimistic about the future.
- Making lateral moves to expand current positions.
McKenzie, Friends in High Places, 1995, pp22-3
What does a Mentor Do?
In career terms a mentor provides:
- Sponsorship
- Exposure and visibility within the organisation
- Coaching
- Protection (or guidance)
- Challenging assignments
In psychosocial terms a mentor provides:
- Role modelling
- Acceptance and confirmation
- Counselling and advice
- Friendship