The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

WORKING WITH A MENTOR / 227

Mentoring in-house

Mentors are typically separate from

the line-management relationship,

but your boss may be the ideal

candidate, especially when the

difference in age and seniority is

large. Some companies establish

roles where this is designed to

happen—Assistant to the Managing

Director, for example.

If you have a very senior manager

or director as your mentor, it can

open doors to people whom you

would not normally meet. Also,

it may give you insights into the

organization’s political process,

identify career opportunities, and

protect you when things go wrong.

Qualities of a good mentor

The attributes of a good mentor depend

on your circumstances and on your

specific role, but he or she should

always be:

• Someone you respect and trust,^
  and who won’t always just agree
  with what you say
  
  
  • Someone you consider to be a^
    role model
  
  
  • Someone who listens, probing what
    you say in order to understand you
  
  
  • Someone who is genuinely interested
    in you and what you want to do, and
    who is available when
    you need help.
  
  
  
  

THINK BEFORE

YOU SPEAK

Remember that

your boss is part

of the organization,

so if he or she is

your mentor, be

cautious about

being completely

open about every

aspect of your

ambitions or

personal life.

Tip

ASK YOURSELF...

What type of mentor do I need? YES NO

1 Have I decided if I need someone who is internal or external

to my current organization? .............................................................

2 Is there a specific issue I really want help with? .............................

3 Is this a short-term need, not a long-term relationship? ..............

4 Is there an area of expertise my mentor should have

(psychology, leadership, career guidance)? ....................................

US_226-227_Working_with_a_mentor.indd 227 31/05/16 5:29 pm