My Not So Simple Life
Why Enter A Mentoring Relationship
May 30, 2025 | By Ellen
When it comes to our jobs or careers, it is easy to see the benefits of a mentoring program. However, mentoring can be profoundly beneficial in just about all aspects of our lives, whether it is a new job, becoming parents, homeschooling or starting a new hobby.
Joining a mentoring program is a very powerful tool that can help you reach your potential because of the training and empowerment it provides. Seeking out someone who is successful doing whatever it is you are about to embark upon can help set you on the path to success as well. Mentoring is also one of the most effective ways for you to advance in your career because your skills are developed and your performance is monitored.
In short, mentoring enables you to be the person you really want to be.
It is important to realize though that mentoring is a relationship between two people who trust and respect each other. Mentoring is not simply a teacher-student relationship; rather, it is a partnership that will help both the mentor and the mentee grow both personally and professionally.
The mentor can aid the mentee so that he can find the right direction he should take in his career. The mentors will usually rely on their own experiences in the past and their knowledge about the industry. Because of this, mentoring can be a great way for a mentee to understand his career options and progress professionally in the future.
Most of the time, having a mentor will boost the confidence and the self-assurance of a mentee because he has all the support, encouragement, and guidance he needs. But the mentors should also take note that challenging the mentee to do his best is the best thing they can do so that the mentee will know how to handle difficult situations the right way in the future.
As I mentioned earlier, a mentoring program is a two-way relationship; so likewise, the mentor can also expect that he will learn a lot from teaching and guiding another person. This will develop his management and leadership skills so he will develop empathy for people who is experiencing the same struggles he did in the past.
Benefits of a mentoring program
What you should look for
Mentorship offers a multitude of advantages for both mentees and mentors, extending beyond career development to personal growth and organizational success.
- Career Advancement
Mentoring relationships are closely tied to career growth. Engaging in mentorship can significantly accelerate your career progression. A study by Sun Microsystems revealed that mentees were promoted five times more often, and mentors six times more often, compared to employees not involved in mentoring programs. Chronus
- Enhanced Confidence and Self-Awareness
One of the most commonly cited benefits of mentorship is a boost in self-confidence. Having someone in your corner—especially someone with experience in your field—validates your efforts and helps you stay grounded when challenges arise. That confidence often translates into taking on bigger challenges and pushing beyond comfort zones.
- Clarity in Goals and Direction
A good mentor helps you see the bigger picture. They ask probing questions, challenge your assumptions, and encourage you to reflect on your goals and values. This clarity can be especially valuable during career changes or life transitions. The Association for Talent Development found that 71% of Fortune 500 companies employ mentoring programs to develop talent internally. BC CCC
- Skill Development
Mentorship facilitates the development of essential skills. A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior found that mentors reported greater job satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose. Women in Tech Network
- Increased Sense of Belonging and Engagement
When you’re working remotely or dealing with major life changes, it’s easy to feel isolated. Mentorship creates a sense of belonging and engagement. Deloitte’s research indicates that belonging can lead to a 56% increase in job performance and a 50% reduction in turnover risk. Deloitte United States
Of course, it is inevitable that some mentoring programs would be better than others because of the features and objectives provided by the specific program.
For example, it would be better for you to get a mentor from outside the company so that you will get an unbiased view of what you should do regardless of who your boss is. The mentoring program would not be entirely effective if your mentor knows your boss as well.
Likewise, the things that are discussed during the mentorship program should always remain confidential between the mentor and the mentee.
And lastly, the mentorship program should be focused on the person. The mentor should be aware of the everyday challenges that his mentee faces so that these issues can be faced accordingly and enable the mentee to succeed.