How to be a mentor without the executive title

Who do you think of when you hear the terms “mentor”, “coach” or “leader”? It’s likely of someone who is an executive position or higher up in the hierarchy. While it is true that these terms tend to be associated with executives, there is a lot non-executives can do in the mentoring and coaching arena. In fact, it may be easier for a mentor and mentee relationship to work since there is not such a big gap in status or title between them in this arrangement.

Below are some practical and actionable items we can each do to help our friends, colleagues, and families in their personal and professional growth regardless of what titles we hold. 

1. Be a good listener 

If you ever worked with therapists or coaches, most of the value they provide comes from listening intently and reflecting what they hear back to their client so that the client can start to see things objectively and from a different perspective. We can serve the same role to our networks. Sometimes, to make important decisions in life, what we need isn’t brand new ideas but rather be able to gain clarity and see things from a new and fresh perspective.

2. Network for you and THEM   

When a networking opportunity arises, be genuinely interested in others’ stories and backgrounds. Approach it from a place of contribution. In other words, don’t go into networking only with a goal of getting something out of it for you. Have organic conversations that allow you to learn about others’ motivations, needs, expertise etc. You can then use this information to help someone in your network or the person you just met. Networking isn’t always about getting something, it is often about giving and providing value to your network.

3. Be a lifetime learner  

When you invest time in growing yourself personally and professionally, you walk away with nuggets, information, contacts, resources that can be really useful for someone in your network. Even if a piece of information you just acquired may not be directly applicable to your life in this moment, think of who else in your network can use it.

4. Promote your network/mentees  

Remember to seek out natural places in your interactions to insert and talk about your mentee to your network. Talk up their strengths, what makes them special, what projects they have/are working on. This will plant a seed in someone’s mind which can turn into a potential opportunity for your mentee in the future. It also gives you the added benefit of showcasing your supportive leadership style :-)

5. Use your leverage to give your mentee an edge    

It doesn’t take being an executive to give your mentee a competitive edge when he/she is pursuing a new position. Find out more about the company, culture, hiring manager, recruiter and the person leaving the role and share some insights with your mentee. This can position the person for great success as it will offer a more realistic picture of the role as well as more insight than what other applicants may have. If you know the hiring manager or recruiter and can speak on behalf of your mentee, go ahead and put in a good word-this is often the differentiator of who gets the job when equally qualified people are up for the same role.

How have you helped someone else personally and professionally? How have others helped you?

Tez Roro writes about connecting the dots between information and people and the profound effect it has in personal and professional development.