5 Common Mentoring Myths

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Mentoring is easily one of the most effective ways you can learn, progress and reach your goals. It’s a way for people to come together to share their knowledge, wisdom and offer guidance to help another individual thrive. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the popularity of mentoring. However, with anything that becomes popular, there are always myths and misconceptions.

In this article, we share and debunk 5 common mentoring myths and misconceptions.

Mentoring Myth #1: Mentorship Is One-Sided

One of the most common misconceptions about mentoring is that it’s only beneficial for the mentee and that couldn’t be further from the truth. People often believe that mentoring is a one-way relationship where only the mentor shares their knowledge and experience, but mentoring is reciprocal. In a good mentoring relationship, both parties benefit from the relationship, with the mentee bringing fresh perspectives and insights so the mentor can learn just as much from their mentee. Mentees can also introduce their mentors to new connections that will lead to new networking opportunities. Finally, one of the most notable benefits of mentoring for a mentor is the sense of fulfilment they feel helping others grow, develop and meet their goals.

Mentoring Myth #2: Running a Mentoring Programme Is Difficult

Starting a mentoring programme doesn’t need to be difficult for organisations. Many organisations believe that mentoring is a time-consuming and resource-heavy learning programme for employees, but it doesn’t need to be. With the evolution of technology, mentoring programmes no longer need to be done manually through software such as Excel, with a variety of mentoring software now readily available to help organisations create and scale thriving programmes with ease. Software such as PushFar, has helped hundreds of organisations across the globe create successful mentoring programmes for their employees. PushFar helps organisations streamline mentoring and coaching programmes allowing for customised branding, smart mentoring matching through intelligent algorithms, detailed reports and so much more.

Mentoring Myth #3: Mentoring Is Only for Career Advancement

While career advancement is one of the most common reasons people opt for mentorship, it’s not limited to this. Securing a promotion and networking opportunities are seen as key elements of mentorship, but there's so much more mentorship can offer. A good mentor can help their mentee achieve personal growth, build their confidence and enhance their self-awareness, the role of a mentor is to help guide their mentee in navigating both personal and professional challenges. Mentors can also help their mentee develop career-specific skills but also soft skills such as communication and emotional intelligence which are vital in our day-to-day lives.

Mentoring Myth #4: You Only Need One Mentor

A common misconception about mentoring is that an individual only needs one mentor who can provide them with all the support and guidance they need to overcome their challenges and reach their goals. However, this can actually limit growth and learning opportunities for the mentee. Everyone has different skills and insights they can bring to the table, which is why we always suggest having more than one mentor. Mentees can benefit more from having multiple mentors throughout their lives, each offering diverse talents, knowledge in specific areas and a variety of perspectives from different backgrounds which is invaluable for learning and development.

Mentoring Myth #5: A Mentor Has All the Answers

Mentors are only human, whilst they are usually experienced in their field and have a wealth of knowledge and insight they are willing to share with their mentee, they can’t know the answer to everything. Many people enter a mentoring relationship with an expectation that their mentor should know and have all the answers and solutions to the challenges they face, however, this unrealistic expectation can not only create pressure for the mentor but also result in disappointment for the mentee. The reality is, that mentors are there to guide their mentees, rather than providing direct answers, encouraging their mentees to find their own solutions and indulge in self-reflection. A good mentor will be honest with their mentee and admit when they are unsure about something, encouraging the mentee to seek additional information and resources.

Final Thoughts

Mentorship is an extremely fulfilling experience for both parties and something that we believe everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. There is no denying that mentoring can be complex, that comes with the territory of any relationship but we hope that by debunking some of the most mentoring common myths, we have helped you have a better understanding of what mentoring truly entails and create realistic expectations.