Would You Be a Good Mentor?

by Valerie Ryder, PWA Professional Development Director

As we approach the opening of the application process of the PWA Mentoring Program (mid-March), you may be interested in the idea of becoming a mentor – and you may also be wondering if you have what it takes. Preconceived notions about the requirements of a good mentor, or even simple modesty, might have raised question marks about your appropriateness for this role.

In the framework of a network mentoring program such as PWA’s, the description of an effective mentor is somewhat different than that of a traditional corporate mentor. To clarify this distinction, we have identified the ideal characteristics of mentors in the PWA program, as well as the roles they may fulfill.

Characteristics of PWA Mentors

1. Relevant experience and/or knowledge. Potential mentors need to have knowledge (general, technical, or skill-related) or experience in a certain area which could be useful to an aspiring mentee. The first part is easy – we all have experience and knowledge. The second part – whether it would be useful to someone else- is where there may be uncertainty. The answer is: It is very likely that it would be beneficial. To be sure, apply as a mentor – you never know who may be in need of the experience you’ve got!

2. Communication skills. Effective mentors are skilled in a certain number of key communication areas, such as active listening, providing constructive feedback, and demonstrating empathy. The training workshop we will be holding for all participants will cover a number of these competencies.

3. Willingness and availability to contribute to the success of others. PWA mentors need to want to help fellow women in their professional advancement, and commit to the availability requirements of the program, knowing that they in turn will surely derive worthwhile benefits in the process.

Reminder: There is no minimum age, seniority, professional level, or educational qualifications in the PWA Mentoring Program.

Various Roles of Mentors
In the PWA program, we anticipate that mentors will play one or two of the roles described, but certainly not all of them. In fact, it is widely recommended that women develop a panel of mentors – both women and men – with diverse backgrounds, skills and connections, in order to receive the different types of guidance and support they may need.

Counselor. In this role, fundamental in a network mentoring program such as PWA’s, the mentor is supportive and acts as a sounding board to help her mentee successfully move forward professionally.
- Offers suggestions based on her own professional experience and helps mentee avoid any mistakes she may have made.
- Candidly shares issues related to gender in the workplace.
- Helps the mentee strategize to achieve career goals and weigh the pros and cons of career choices.
- Explains the unwritten rules in the mentee’s environment.
- Assists with strategies for time management essential to balancing work and personal life.

Coach/Advisor. The mentor may serve as a coach/advisor in giving candid feedback, providing assistance with career development, and advising on how to accomplish objectives. Although coaching and mentoring are overall quite different, this is one area where there is some overlap.
- Helps the mentee clarify her performance objectives and areas she would like to develop.
- Offers the mentee candid feedback and provides specific recommendations on areas in which the mentee would like to improve.

Role Model. In certain cases, the mentor may be an inspiring role model. Observing how others conduct themselves and interact with others is often cited by successful individuals as one of their key strategies.
- Leads by example.
- Demonstrates knowledge and insight into applicable informal political processes.
- Exhibits components of an effective leadership style.

Advocate. The mentor may from time to time act as a sponsor for the mentee.
- Opens doors and introduces the mentee to select members of the mentor’s network of contacts.
- Informs her mentee about any appropriate professional or educational opportunities she may be aware of.
Note to mentees: Please do not expect this of your mentors – this is an optional added benefit!

For more information on the PWA Mentoring Program, contact us at professional@pwa-milan.org.
• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

* Adapted from “Creating Successful Mentoring Programs: A Catalyst Guide”.

Tags: Mentoring, mentoring program, Monique Svazlian, Valerie Ryder

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