Firms should encourage mentors to seek out mentees
Mentoring is not only beneficial to mentees but to mentors as well, according to a survey by Robert Half Management Resources.
More than one-half (54 per cent) of the 270 Canadian CFOs surveyed who have served as mentors said the key benefit is the satisfaction that comes from helping someone else.
The opportunity to improve leadership skills came in second with 22 per cent of respondents saying this was the greatest benefit of mentoring.
And 18 per cent said the top benefit is allowing the mentor to stay current on industry trends.
"Mentoring can help anyone at any career stage; its benefits are not restricted to those just starting their careers," said David King, Canadian district president of Robert Half Management Resources. "The challenging business environment over the past few years has heightened the importance of having a mentor who can provide valuable guidance on a variety of professional questions and dilemmas."
To get the most out of mentoring programs employers should:
•Encourage mentors to consider their strengths by thinking about the most valuable things they have learned in their careers and what they have to offer someone who is just starting out.
•Not rely on a formal program but encourage potential mentors to identify someone they can help and extend the offer.
•Look beyond recent graduates to professionals at all levels trying to advance to the next level or looking to make a change.
•Remind mentors to listen to their mentees before offering guidance since sometimes they just need a sounding board.
