After attending a Global PA Network masterclass on the subject of ‘Social Media & Advanced Communication Skills’ on June 26, my brain was powered up with fresh new ideas. From how effectively we use all different platforms on Social Media to our professional advantage; to understanding and effectively interact cross culturally, the Communication Skills section grabbed my entire senses and the Benefits of Mentoring in particular.
This is an area I really would like to grow and develop further in order to become a qualified mentor. I am passionate about my profession and the idea that I can use my expertise and contribute to an individual's development and advancement of their career, is the most rewarding challenge to take on.
It goes without saying that as a mentor one equally gains from that kind of meaningful partnership - being disciplined about our own goal setting; getting to know more about the different areas of the company (through the mentees); developing listening and constructive feedback skills. Not to mention that this would also be a great opportunity to refine emotional intelligence skills.
As a PA, more often than not we get what we want through win-win negotiations using influencing, assertiveness and effective communication skills.
As a PA, more often than not we get what we want through win-win negotiations using influencing, assertiveness and effective communication skills.
It is therefore important to use from the very beginning the fundamental principle that there is more than one way of winning and that the best attitude of all is using David Frost’s quote: “Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way”
So, here is my take on ‘How to Mentor a Colleague Effectively’.
The use of The Grow Model is an absolute must – the tool will help structure the sessions, by establishing what the situation is now; set objectives; manage expectations; identify possible problems and map up long term goals.
Ground rules should then be used to set the foundations of the partnership - a sort of an agreement to serve and protect both parties. This can include confidentiality, commitment, expectations of each other and of the mentoring, boundaries, level of challenge during a session - you both define what set of rules suit best.
Building a rapport is essential from the onset, with active listening and empathy at the core of the partnership.
Having established a foundation based on trust, it is of vital importance to nurture self-esteem and reassure that we are not there to improve weaknesses, but to help shape a promising career. Emphasize the benefits that as a mentor one also gains from the journey - it is after all an opportunity to give back to the company and a rewarding privilege to impartially and objectively enable development in others.
No doubt this would be a mutual exchange and a learning curve for the mentor as well - from strengthening Emotional Intelligence, to boosting the very same skills the mentee is there to develop and enhancing listening and feedback skills.
In order to obtain a bit more information about the mentee and also as an useful exercise for them to explore their self-awareness, the SWOT Analisys matrix would be the ideal tool to measure the different aptitudes of the individual.
Throughout the sessions we should aim to have constructive dialogue, map out realistic goals, analyse problems, and discuss different options to pursue. This would include, identifying realistic solutions and looking at tangible strategies to help achieve the objectives set earlier. The best way to structure this is to encourage setting of SMART Objectives:
- Specific: what exactly do you want to change, improve or develop?
- Measurable: how will you know you’ve achieved it?
- Achievable: how realistic are these objectives?
- Resourced: what do you need?
- Timed: when do you want to achieve them by?
Overall, these are what I believe would be great foundations for effective mentoring. There are certainly other add-ons which may enhance the experience, build trust and enrich the partnership. But above all, it is the commitment to give and take, the exchange of skills and the very gratifying feeling to constructively contribute towards the professional development of an individual in search of excellence.
Be your best!
London 07/2014
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