Mentoring Programme - helping others to help themselves?

As part of my Business Studies Degree course, the HR module provided us with the skills to mentor other students.  I thought at the time this was an excellent idea (provided the mentee had confidence in his/her mentor.)  My experience was most rewarding when my mentee was interviewed by the very company he had wanted to reach.  I don’t know what he’s doing now, but I hope he’s very successful!

Now many years later, I’ve been approached by an entrepreneur I met at a local business networking event, to mentor her.  ‘M’ as she will be referred to from now on, has aspirations to set up her own business, with a view to selling in 5 years’ time.

What do I know about business? 

Business is like riding a horse - you never stop learning! I’ve been employed/self-employed for over 35 years.  But I’m more than happy to pass on my experiences (good and bad) and point ‘M’ in directions which I wish I’d been advised about many years ago.

Will the mentor/mentee relationship be successful? 

Like all relationships, we will work at it, but from what I’ve seen so far, I think we have a lot in common (except she’s had the forsight to think about mentoring way before I did).  Our relationship may change once she’s attained her goal, or decided against pursuing it, but that’s OK.  The right outcome is that ‘M’ makes a decision that’s right for her.

What will I get out of mentoring?

Certainly, a sense of seeing someone (I hope) develop in front of me.  I know why teachers teach - it’s a great feeling - but mentoring is different.  I’m looking forward to the coming weeks and months - I’ll keep you updated and ask ‘M’ to add her own comments …