It would not be wrong to say that mentors are the central figure when it comes to developing the next set of leaders and showing the path to the lost and confused. Mentors provide us with their expertise and advice on a wide spectrum of areas from what is there to learn in theory to what and how it must be practiced in the field to progress on the path of success. A valued mentor can not only show us how to act and make informed decisions in tough times but also helps us to know how to maintain an equilibrium and when to take risks. By giving in their valuable insights they can provide us with guidance and answers and can be a great source of motivation and inspiration to help us get to the next level and fulfill our potential. John Calvin Maxwell, American author, speaker, and pastor best describes mentorship by saying, “One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”
Mentorship is such an important attribute of personal and professional growth owing to it we see a lot of corporate companies have established mentorship programs. So, here’s why we need mentors for our younger generations.
To Pass On Important Skills and Knowledge:
Often due to our lack of knowledge or insight, we come to a standstill. Having a mentor helps us cross that bridge because mentors pass on their skills and knowledge which they have acquired through years of their hard work. Although there is a possibility of having generation gaps, diversity of background, but still they can provide insights into various situations and scenarios and the younger generation can learn a lot from their mistakes and experiences.
To Form Supportive Relationships:
Through this mentor-mentee relationship which develops during the course of a mentorship. The younger ones can have access to a supportive relationship. Where often they can look up to someone to get advice and assistance in dealing with novel situations and responding or reacting to them without their emotional biases or inclination which can help in the long haul effectively.
To Provide Objective Advice and Constructive Criticism:
Mentors are authentic and objective in nature and through a long exposure in their particular areas, they know how and when to tell us straight up if there is a change in attitude or methods of dealing with the situation is required. This is because there’s no room for guessing games but only criticism and advice which is constructive, supportive, and growth-oriented.
An example of such a mentor is Reza Satchu Toronto based entrepreneur, Co-founder of The Next 36, Managing partner at Alignvest Capital Management and creator of a high rated undergraduate course, “Economics of Entrepreneurship” at the University of Toronto. Reza Satchu is often cited as hostile by students. The reason behind this is that if the students get an answer wrong, he specifically points out and criticizes them. Also, Reza Satchu is not a touchy-feely person but the only reason for him to behave this way that he cares about their success and wants them to learn.
