There are a variety of benefits and drawbacks related to mentoring. First, I will discuss the role of mentoring and what mentors provide mentees. Then, I will discuss mentoring vs. coaching, mentee benefits vs. mentee costs, mentor benefits vs. mentor costs, and organizational benefits vs. organizational costs. These concepts are based on Troy Nielson’s MBA Talent Management course class notes, 2011.
The Role of Mentoring
Mentoring plays a developmental relationship for emerging talent. A more experienced individuals offers a less experienced individual with coaching, development, and advice.
What Mentors Provide Mentees
“Managers who feel their company develops them poorly are five times more likely to leave than people who feel their company develops them well.”
Michaels et al., “The War For Talent”
What Mentors Provide Mentees
Career Development
- Career Guidance/Coaching
- Skill Development via Stretch Assignments
- Political Protection
Social Support
- Building Confidence
- Friendships and Encouragement
- Expanding Professional Networks
Role Modeling
- Professional Standards and Conduct
- Behavioral Modeling
- Detailed Feedback
Mentoring vs. Coaching
| Focus on Long-term Career | Focus on Current Role/Task |
| Improve Wisdom | Improve Specific Skills |
| Driven More by the Mentee | Driven More by the Coach |
| Often Done by Non-supervisor | Often Done by Immediate Supervisor |
| Conveys More Tacit Wisdom | Conveys More Explicit Knowledge |
Mentee Benefits vs. Mentee Costs
| Faster Promotions | Time Investment |
| Greater Salary Growth | Overly Dependent on Mentor |
| Personal Learning and Skill Development | Resentment by Peers |
| Higher Job Satisfaction | Damaged Reputation (If Mentor Fails) |
| Reputation and Visibility | Bad Advice |
| Balancing Work and Family Demands Better |
Mentor Benefits vs. Mentor Costs
| Personal Fulfillment | Time Investment |
| Job Rejuvenation | Lack of Organizational Reward |
| Reputation as Developer of Talent (If Mentee Succeeds) | Reputation as Destroyer of Talent (If Mentee Fails) |
| Group of Loyal Supporters (Former Mentees) | Threat of Mentee |
| Enhanced Creativity |
Organizational Benefits vs. Organizational Costs
| Cost-effective Training and Developmental Approach | Can be Divisive if Not Viewed as Fair |
| Perpetuate Key Routines and Cultural Values | Perpetuate Outdated Routines and Values |
| Attract and retain talented employees | May Lose Stars to Competitors Due to Increased Marketability |
| Leadership Development |
[...] blogged about the importance of mentoring for one’s personal and career development. You may have heard of others urging you to enlist [...]
By: Engaging with mentors « Christopher Feld on April 13, 2011
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