If you’ve worked in the promo industry for some time, you may want to become a mentor. Studies show that mentoring others can deepen the purpose of your work and spark mutual inspiration. Not only do you get to share what you know and help someone grow professionally, but you often end up strengthening your leadership abilities in the process. Both you and your mentee gain new perspectives and benefit from the experience.

How can you become a trusted and impactful mentor and truly make a difference? Read on. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share some tips from Kenneth Anderson’s article on the Indeed blog.

  1. Enroll in a formal mentoring program. You don’t need a formal program to become a mentor, but Anderson recommends participating if your company has one.

  2. Invest time in getting to know your mentee. Like any relationship, it works best when you invest time in it. Anderson suggests getting to know your mentee both personally and professionally and learning about their long-term goals.

  3. Decide the structure of your mentorship. For example, will you meet as needed or at set times? The more specific you can be when outlining goals, the more likely both of you will experience the benefits.

  4. Let your mentee make their own decisions. Your job as a mentor is simply to guide and let your mentee decide things on their own.

  5. Deliver honest and genuine feedback. Anderson says that providing constructive criticism is a requirement of the mentor-mentee relationship. Just be honest and compassionate to avoid sounding like a critic.

  6. Establish respect for each other. With mutual respect comes acceptance, Anderson says. Both sides should feel comfortable sharing without being judged or ridiculed.

  7. Be a good listener and a compassionate communicator. While you may be able to help your mentee find a solution to their problems, Anderson says you can’t fix the problem for them. Instead, offer to listen and brainstorm when needed.

  8. Be open about your own mistakes. This is a great way to build trust and encourage your mentor to open up about their own missteps. Plus, Anderson says others may like to see how you approached certain situations.

  9. Celebrate your mentee’s achievements. According to Anderson, the best mentorships involve more than just work and problem-solving. Stay invested in your mentee’s success and cheer them on.

No matter how long you’ve worked in the industry, you have valuable insight to share. When you listen with compassion and offer honest feedback, you can help your mentee navigate challenges and build confidence. As they grow, you’ll enrich your own professional journey in the process.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Kenneth Anderson is a lead program manager and contributor to the Indeed blog.