Corporate mentorship programs have become an increasingly popular tool for companies looking to develop and retain their employees as they help employees to connect and share knowledge & encouragement. From informal mentoring between managers and their teams to highly structured programs with industry-specific assignments that employees complete together, corporate mentoring programs capitalize on interpersonal connections as a strategy for encouraging and growing employees’ skills in the workplace.
Unlike its growing popularity as a corporate growth strategy, mentoring is not a new concept in the workplace. The history of mentoring can be traced back to ancient Greece, where young men were paired with older, more experienced men to learn about philosophy, politics, and other aspects of life. In the workplace, mentoring has been used for many years as a way to help employees develop their skills and knowledge and to provide a pathway for career advancement.
The benefits of corporate mentorship programs are numerous. For the mentee, mentorship can provide guidance and support in navigating their career path, helping them to set goals and identify opportunities for growth and development. Other benefits to the Mentee include:
- Increased institutional knowledge and understanding of how the company works.
- Improves awareness of other efficient approaches to work.
- Building network of colleagues and expanded knowledge of different areas of the organization.
- Having a confidential sounding board for ideas and challenges.
For the mentor, the program can provide an opportunity to develop their leadership skills, share their knowledge and expertise, and give back to the organization. Other benefits to the Mentor include:
- Supports use and development of key competencies leading to growth.
- Provides fulfillment and satisfaction of helping others and contributing to the development of colleagues.
- Encourages examination of the status quo and alternative possibilities.
- Encourages renewed ideas and perspectives on one’s leadership role.
- Extends network of colleagues and builds community within the organization.
For the organization, mentorship programs can:
- Facilitate the growth and development of high-potential leaders.
- Demonstrate visible commitment to staff development and continuous learning.
- Transfer and maintain important organizational knowledge.
- Foster an inclusive, diverse and collaborative environment.
Moreover, there are several examples of successful corporate mentorship programs. For instance, IBM’s Mentor Program has been running for over 20 years and has helped thousands of employees develop their skills and career progression. Similarly, General Electric’s Executive Leader Mentoring Program has been cited as one of the most effective programs of its kind, with over 80% of participants reporting an improvement in their leadership abilities.
Ultimately, every company has its unique strengths and weaknesses, so it is important for companies to strategize and create meaningful mentorship programs that address its unique organizational and employee issues. Getting feedback from employees on what mentorship styles and solutions would help them most can be a most-effective first step.
Need assistance with creating effective corporate mentorship programs? Send us an email at ebere@riseandleadwomen.com and we will revert with some practical advice on how your company can implement successful mentorship programs based on real-world best practices.