You have a new colleague who's smart, driven and maybe reminds you a bit of yourself when you were new. This person has expressed an admiration toward you and asks you to be his/her mentor – should you say yes?
Studies show it's a good career move. People who step up to mentor a colleague are more satisfied with their jobs and experience a greater sense of purpose, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior. It can also lead to a raise: Sun Microsystems' five-year study of its mentorship program found that 28% of mentors and 25% of protégés saw an increase in salary, compared with 5% of workers who didn't participate in the program. Promotions also were a perk – mentors were six times more likely to move up the ladder, and mentees were five times more likely to move up than those without mentors.
REAPING THE BENEFITS
If you're uncertain if you can make the time to help someone grow and progress in their career, consider the rewards it can bring. You're bound to get more than the satisfaction of helping someone find success, such as:
Building your skills. The best mentorships are a two-way street, with both parties learning from the experience. Mentoring typically builds your leadership and management skills. You also could learn new things from those just out of college.
Keeping talent in-house. Everyone wants to work with intelligent, motivated people. Build future leaders, maybe even a successor, by helping them meet their goals. For the next generation of advisors seeking advancement, this is key.
Expanding your professional network. A protégé can help open new doors for you in the same way you do for them.
Paying it forward. Chances are someone helped you get where you are. This is your chance to give back and continue that tradition.
