The Journey of Mentorship: How Being a Mentor Can Enrich Your Professional and Personal Life

In November 2023, I embarked on my first formal mentorship experience through the Lily Shippen EA/PA Mentoring Programme. For over three decades, since my career began in 1991 as an office junior (or general assistant, as it was called then), I hadn’t participated in any mentorship programme.

The decision to become a mentor came with a sense of readiness; I felt that I had gained enough experience as an Executive Assistant (EA) and Personal Assistant (PA) to contribute meaningfully to someone else’s journey.

As I joined the programme, I considered three essential questions:

1. How would my participation unfold?
2. Would the experience be valuable?
3. What benefits and insights could I offer to a mentee?

The answers, I found, were yes to all. Not only did I believe that the experience would be beneficial, but it has also exceeded my expectations, offering rewards I hadn’t anticipated.

Here, I’d like to share the three core aspects of mentorship that I’ve found impactful: the value of being a mentor, the value of having a mentor, and the growth that mentorship can inspire.

The Value of Being a Mentor

Mentorship is often thought of as a way to give back, but it can be a profound, two-way experience. Here’s how:

Personal Enrichment and Fulfilment

Mentorship encourages self-reflection. As I shared advice and stories from my own career, I became more aware of my strengths and areas for growth. This heightened self-awareness has been incredibly enriching, as it has allowed me to become more mindful of my values and approaches.

There’s also an emotional reward that comes with mentorship. Seeing a mentee’s progress, knowing that I’ve contributed in some small way to their growth, brings immense satisfaction. It’s a legacy-building experience that fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Professional Development and Leadership

Mentoring sharpens skills that are essential for leadership, such as patience, empathy, and clear communication. In working with a mentee, I found myself practicing how to convey complex ideas simply and provide constructive feedback. Each conversation has refined my ability to listen and respond thoughtfully—qualities that enrich my work with colleagues, clients, and partners alike.

Additionally, mentoring is a powerful reminder that learning is continuous. Every exchange offers a chance to reassess what I know, and explaining concepts to others reinforces my own knowledge.

Expanding Professional Network

Mentorship doesn’t just expand your professional network; it strengthens it. As my mentee connects with others in the field, I’m introduced to new people, broadening my network indirectly. These connections foster collaboration and open new doors, enhancing my own professional growth.

Through mentorship, we contribute to an ecosystem of learning, growth, and support. As a mentor, I’ve come to appreciate how the guidance I offer also brings me fresh insights, motivation, and opportunities for connection.

The Value of Having a Mentor

In a world that’s increasingly complex and competitive, the support of a mentor can be transformative. Having a mentor can impact both personal and professional development in profound ways.

Personal Growth and Development

Mentors offer a fresh perspective that can help you discover your own strengths and areas for improvement. They provide a sounding board, a source of encouragement, and someone to keep you accountable. This support can be crucial for confidence-building, helping you tackle challenges with greater resilience and determination.

Furthermore, a mentor’s experience can provide guidance on balancing personal and professional priorities. They bring insights on managing time, navigating change, and sustaining a healthy work-life balance—wisdom that’s invaluable in today’s fast-paced world.

Professional Advancement and Success

In the professional realm, mentors are like lighthouses, guiding you through unfamiliar waters. They can help you navigate organizational dynamics, identify career paths, and acquire new skills. A mentor’s network also opens new doors, creating opportunities for collaboration and career progression that may not have been accessible otherwise.

Mentors often hold you accountable, which is key for staying focused on your goals. Their guidance can prevent missteps, helping you make more strategic decisions in your career. Simply put, having a mentor can be a catalyst for professional growth and long-term success.

Reflecting on my own career, I now see the immense value a mentor could have offered in those early years. Today, I’m honoured to provide that support to others, helping them realize their potential in ways I wish I’d known about back in 1991.

How Being a Mentor Can Foster Your Growth

Mentorship is as much a journey of self-discovery as it is a way to impart knowledge. Engaging with a mentee brings out qualities and strengths that can be applied in all aspects of life.

Strengthening Leadership and Communication Skills

Guiding a mentee requires patience, empathy, and the ability to communicate clearly. These interactions have strengthened my ability to actively listen, ask the right questions, and offer feedback that inspires confidence. Such skills are vital for any leadership role, adding value to both professional and personal relationships.

Enhanced Self-Reflection and Learning

Being a mentor has encouraged me to reflect on my own career journey. Each time I share an experience or lesson, I gain new insights into my path, which in turn reveals areas for my growth. This process of self-reflection has led to continuous learning, helping me become a more effective mentor and professional.

Expanding Professional Network and Building Connections

Mentoring also brings valuable connections, extending your network with talented, passionate professionals. These relationships create a ripple effect, as mentees connect with others in your network, broadening opportunities for everyone involved. Mentors become known as advocates for growth, building reputations that can lead to further professional advancement.

Finding Purpose and Fulfilment

There’s a profound sense of fulfilment in helping others reach their potential. Seeing mentees achieve their goals is deeply rewarding, reigniting my passion for my own work. Mentoring brings renewed purpose and pride as I contribute positively to another person’s journey.

Fostering Creativity and Innovation

Engaging with younger or less-experienced individuals introduces fresh perspectives and ideas, which can challenge you to think differently. This dynamic exchange often leads to creative solutions, and it’s invigorating to see issues from new angles. Mentorship fosters an environment where innovation and continuous improvement thrive.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Mentorship has underscored the importance of emotional intelligence, understanding and adapting to a mentee’s individual strengths, challenges, and goals. Emotional intelligence is an invaluable asset, not only for mentors but for anyone looking to foster supportive and collaborative relationships.

Becoming a Mentor: Building a Legacy of Support and Growth

If you’re considering becoming a mentor, remember that the journey is as enriching for you as it is for your mentee. Here are a few steps to enhance the mentorship experience:

• Set Clear Expectations: Open communication and goal-setting lay the foundation for a productive relationship.
• Listen Actively: Often, the best support you can offer is listening. Mentees value having someone they can confide in and seek guidance from.
• Be Open and Honest: Share your real experiences, including missteps and challenges. Mentorship is about offering an honest roadmap.
• Encourage Independence: Help your mentee build confidence and skills to solve problems independently.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognize achievements, big or small, to foster motivation and self-belief.

Conclusion

Mentorship is a journey of connection, growth, and mutual learning. As mentors, we shape the future of our fields, one relationship at a time. In doing so, we create a cycle of learning and support that benefits both mentors and mentees alike. Through the Lily Shippen EA/PA Mentoring Programme, I’ve seen first-hand the value of mentorship, and I encourage others to take this fulfilling path. Whether you’re early in your career or have decades of experience, there’s always something to gain by helping others reach their potential.