January is National Mentoring month, but what exactly is mentoring?
Mentoring is a positive and supportive relationship, encouraging young people to develop their fullest potential. For the most part, anyone can be a mentor, from a role model, a coach, a teacher, a big brother or big sister. Typically a mentor is more experienced in a specific area or has a expertise, or they may be older and have the ability to be a sounding board, an accountability partner, or someone that helps you believe that you matter.
According to mentoring.org: research has confirmed that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. A mentor can assist you in reaching personal goals, help guide you in life experiences, and be a support system for you.
Sometimes, we just need someone that is willing to help us, someone who is not family or a close friend, but someone who can offer an expertise or experience of some area of our lives. This month, take the time to evaluate, if you have something to offer and could be a mentor to someone in need. And on the other hand, evaluate if you should seek out a mentor and become a mentee.
So how do you know if you should seek a mentor or become a mentee?
Have you started a business? Thinking about start one?……….. You should become a MENTEE
Have an idea about a book, blog, or hobby, and not sure how to move forward?……You should become a MENTEE
Wish you had someone to look up too, that can help you believe in yourself in academia, professional role, or leadership? …… You should become a MENTEE
You have a successful business or brand and willing to share the wealth? ….You should become a MENTOR
Want to give back and help out someone who is at risk, or in need of guidance? …. You should become a MENTOR
If you have a desire to help shape the leaders of tomorrow & enhance your own leadership skills…. You should become a MENTOR
So…being that this is National Mentoring Month, take the time and evaluate, and see if you could become a mentor or mentee. Want to learn more about mentoring and what it means…head over to mentoring.org and learn more! Also, another amazing program is Big Brother Big Sister if you would like to help youth in need. Score.com is another organization if you are looking to find a mentor in a particular area of business, or if you believe you could help someone and be a mentor!
Tell us what you think! Leave us a comment, send us an email, or slide in our DM’s we are here for you!