KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News SourceMentoring in the Workplace

By Louise Bauer Davoli

Workplace mentoring is similar to other mentoring relationships - with the exception that it happens around issues of career and professional development. A workplace mentor is that individual who can steer you, lend a hand, and nurture your professional quest.  

The notion of mentoring means that somebody with good knowledge and skill in a specific field or area shares with another person who does not have the same level of skill, knowledge or experience. A mentor can also help you recognize your strengths and areas for development, as well as help you build expertise for success and long-range career strategy. If you and your mentor share the same employer, your mentor can help encourage your sense of belonging within an organization.

Mentors and mentoring is different from the average network contact. Being a mentor is a long-term commitment and involves a significant investment in another's future. The standard set-up contact generally involves a quick introduction, exchange of business cards and phone calls. The mentoring relationship generally involves long discussions over lunch or time spent in the mentor's office. A mentor is frequently in a position you ultimately would like to have. He or she is someone you likely have extraordinary good chemistry with and is someone who will share stories with you about their own climb to success. 

Mentor Shopping List

-Similar Goals
-Career Path
-Time for the relationship
-Take the step

When shopping for a mentor on your own, look for someone you have a high regard for and respect. Choosing someone from your own place of employment or outside your current company is acceptable. Prioritize for yourself what exactly you need in a mentor. For example, what skills would you like to develop with your mentor's assistance as well as characteristics you are looking for in a mentor. It could be something around communication style or characteristics about relating with others. Go ahead and check with other folks about their insights and experience with the person you want as a mentor.

Pick a mentor who has similar values as you and be willing to disclose as much of yourself as possible. Potential mentors are more likely to invest their time and expertise with someone whom they see a bit of themselves. Ideally your mentor is not your direct supervisor, look for some with whom you can confide in openly about workplace and career issues.