What Is a Mentorship?

A Mentorship refers to a programme or relationship between two or more people, where an individual with more experience and knowledge is able to provide guidance to individuals who may be novices in a particular field. Mentorships can take place in any industry and for any duration of time.

The First Mentor

“Athene drew near to him, and assuming the form and voice of Mentor, addressed him with winged words. Telemachus, you will be neither a coward nor a fool in the future”
– Homer, The Odyssey Chapter 2, Line 268-270. 

The role of a mentor hails from generations back. The etymology of the word Mentor originated from Greek mythology, as the term was first introduced by Homer. Mentor was originally a character in Homer’s epic, The Odyssey. He was appointed as a guardian by Odysseus for his son Telemachus, before he left for the Trojan War. Mentor was Telemachus’ teacher and provided much needed support in the absence of his father.

However, the true meaning of the word Mentor evolved from Athena’s interaction with Telemachus. The Goddess of Wisdom, disguised herself as Mentor in a time of great need, to advise Telemachus on how to deal with threats against his mother and himself.  Athena’s actions were crucial in implementing the idea of great wisdom and guidance into the meaning of the word Mentor, as we know it today. As such, it is safe to say that intelligence and experience is not enough to grant one the title of Mentor. Metaphorically, one has to behave as Athena in disguise and pass on wisdom to their protégé in order to be deemed a Mentor. 

Reasons Why You Should Be A Mentor

For knowledge to flow within any industry or even across industries, Mentorships are crucial relationships to build. They are important in mitigating the circulation of information between generations and facilitate learning for both experienced and novice individuals. Being a Mentor is an essential and rewarding role. Here is why:

Self-Discovery

Mentees often approach Mentors with challenging and insightful questions. These queries may encourage you to contemplate your choices and decisions as well as peer deeper into the ways of your industry. This will inspire you to reflect on yourself frequently. Mentoring inquisitive individuals will promote personal growth and encourage you to keep learning.

Leadership And Communication Skills

Not just anyone has what it takes to be a Mentor. Just as Telemachus had Athena’s clear wisdom, your Mentees need you to be patient and effective in your communication. While you guide them through challenging situations, you will learn to communicate effectively and lead by example. Mentoring can become one of your sellable skills as you gain more experience.

Become Part Of A Community

When you are a Mentor, you are part of a community bigger than yourself and your mentee. Networks are important for the continued success of any venture. With your mentees’ contacts, you are connected to other mentees and other leaders of industries as well. This allows for the flow of insights, knowledge and opportunities between industries.

Make A Real Difference

As a Mentor, you can be sure that your time and effort spent will always be meaningful. Your protégés will benefit greatly from your guidance and you will make a real difference in their lives by paving their way to success. Seeing your mentees, develop their skills and knowledge under your guidance can be a very satisfying experience. You can rest assured that you will be investing your efforts into building future leaders of industries.

Benefits Of Having A Mentor

Having a mentor does not mean that you are behind or lack intelligence. On the contrary it shows that you are ambitious and driven to succeed. Here are reasons why you need a mentor in your life:

Gain Valuable Insights

Mentorships allow you to interact actively with seasoned professionals. With their years of experience and industry knowledge, Mentors are able to notice things that we may not. They can observe your work patterns and ethics, and spot areas in which you need to improve or change your behaviours to avoid mistakes. They are trained to be patient and to give constructive criticism. With the help of your Mentor, you will gain valuable insights not only about the industry you are working in but about yourself as well. This allows for both personal and professional development.

Have A Trusted Advisor

Having a Mentor is equivalent to having a trusted sounding board. You can bounce ideas of your Mentors without holding back for fear of failure. Mentors are always there to correct your mistakes politely and elevate your ideas that have potential. With a Mentor by your side, you can let your creativity run wild and broaden your thinking, developing ideas and initiatives you could not before. Your Mentor will encourage you to expand your ideas and motivate you to extend them further, steadily guiding you towards success.

Expand Your Network

Networking is crucial for any novice trying to make their way in an industry. Your Mentor will be your first step to practicing your networking skills. With them by your side, you will be introduced to various contacts within and out of your company. Communicating with your mentor’s professional contacts allows you to grow out of your comfort zone and establish your identity within the company, leading you to new opportunities.

Encouragement And Motivation

Mentors are the perfect allies to keep you accountable for achieving the goals and targets you set for yourself. Not only can they provide motivation for you to work hard and smart, they are also great at setting firm boundaries for you to work within. Your Mentor can help you develop discipline in your work ethic, which is a trait all successful individuals possess.

Join A Mentorship Programme Today

Mentorships are free and yet they are priceless experiences. Singapore offers a multitude of Mentorships for people of all walks of life. We have compiled a list of Singapore’s Top Mentorships for your perusal. Join as a mentor or mentee today, and make a friend for life!

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