We know that mentoring can play a large part in helping to retain key talent. The reason for this can be quite simple. Your employees want to feel that you understand them and want to support them.
Doing so will improve the performance of employees and help to increase their loyalty.
The Deloitte Millennial Survey 2016 found that those intending to stay with their organisation for more than five years are twice as likely to have a mentor (68%) than not (32%). Among those intending to leave within two years, the ratio of those with (56%) and those without (44%) a mentor is much lower.
Here are 5 things you can do to improve your ability to mentor
1. Understand the ‘big picture’
You need to be looking beyond what is in front of you. Look for both threats from within your business and opportunities. Help your mentee navigate their way around your business. Look for shortcuts,
2. Set the right example
It is important that you set the right example. Your mentee will look to you for a guidance on ethics, values and standards. Through to the best ways to get things done.
3. Make the relationship work
Make sure you are ready to mentor someone. Take the time to get to know your mentee. Set goals and keep the relationship healthy and moving forward towards those goals.
4. Motivate and align
Look to link the goals you set with your mentee to the overall business goals. This will help them feel more aligned in the work they do.
5. Be a fan
Look to open doors for your mentee, look to connect them to your network. Act as a sounding board and help them improve the way they deal with conflict and problem solving.
The benefits for mentees
When this is done well we have seen a number of benefits for mentees including, a greater visibility and recognition, professional development, opportunities for promotion and exposure to new ideas and methods.
The benefits for the mentors
At the same time there area number of benefits to the mentor in particular the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, exposure to new ideas and perspectives and to be known as a subject expert.
Benefits for the company
Businesses that do this well enjoy a cost effective way to develop talent and increasing engagement. Mentoring also helps build a talent pool that you can draw from for future promotions. And, importantly it allows you to engage, develop and keep high performing employees.
If you would like to know more about mentoring and how it can help you retain talent then please contact me on paul@paulgreening.com
