Pathways to Successful Careers and Businesses
After starting in business I found that there were many decisions, options and pathways. It was difficult navigating the way through a maze of issues. Luckily, I have had some fantastic mentors and role models. For that reason, when asked, I have jumped at the opportunity to pay back that debt by passing on experience and knowledge. Typically, mentors do not ask for anything in return but inevitably get a great deal from the relationship with the mentee.
In the complex landscape of careers and businesses, having a mentor can be like a having an experienced navigator. A mentor is more than just a guide they help you to navigate the best path; they are a strategist, sounding board, and sometimes just a shoulder to lean on. Let’s explore the roles of a mentor, the objectives of engaging one, and how to measure the effectiveness of this relationship. When do you want or need a mentor and what to expect. You will get pathways to new careers with trusted mentors.
Influencers vs Mentors and Role Models
We have seen a rise in Influencers on social media and many people mistake these for mentors and role models. There are significant differences.
An influencer is typically someone who has gained a significant following on social media or other platforms and uses this to affect the purchasing decisions or behaviours of others, often through endorsement deals or sponsored content. Influencers are known for their ability to sway their followers’ opinions and behaviours through direct and regular interactions.
The primary focus of an influencer is often related to marketing and promotions and is usually commercially focused. Their focus is on their own success and not that of their followers.
What is a Mentor?
Trusted mentors are pathways to success for individuals and companies. A mentor in a career or business context is someone who offers their knowledge, expertise, and advice to individuals to help them move to the next level. Mentors are often people who have navigated the professional waters successfully themselves and can offer not only technical guidance but also help with personal development and strategic career or business positioning.
Mentors are not investors. A mentor may provide advice on finding the right investor or how to raise funds for the business, but they are not your financial advisor.
Objectives of Using a Mentor
It is important to understand and set the objectives of any mentor program. Mentors are not mind readers and are not going to captain the boat in a storm.
Skill Enhancement
Mentors provide hands-on training and feedback on specific skills relevant to your career or business.
Network Expansion
By introducing you to new contacts, a mentor can help you expand your professional network, which is invaluable for career growth and business opportunities.
Strategic Insight
Mentors help you to see the bigger picture and refine your long-term career or business strategies.
Emotional Support
They offer encouragement and reassurance, which is crucial in overcoming the psychological hurdles of professional life.
Measuring the Outcomes of Mentorship
The success of a mentorship can be evaluated through both qualitative and quantitative measures:
Skill Development
Are the mentee’s skills improving? This can be tracked through project outcomes, performance reviews, and self-assessment.
Achievement of Goals
Are the specific career or business milestones being reached?
Feedback
Regular feedback sessions can provide tangible insights into the progress of the mentee and the effectiveness of the mentor's guidance.
When to Take on the Role of a Mentor
You don't have to be a guru meditating on top of a mountain to be a great mentor. Becoming a mentor should be considered when you feel confident in your professional standing and possess a genuine desire to help others grow. It requires a commitment of time and effort, an ability to communicate effectively, and an empathetic approach to dealing with less experienced individuals.
Establishing the relationship
To determine if a mentoring relationship will be productive, consider the following:
Alignment of Goals
Ensure that the mentor’s expertise and the mentee’s needs are aligned.
Chemistry
A good personal match is crucial as it fosters open communication and trust.
Commitment
Both parties need to be committed to the process, willing to engage regularly and transparently.
Managing the Mentoring Process and Communication
Effective management of the mentoring process hinges on setting clear expectations, establishing regular check-ins, and maintaining open lines of communication. Here’s how:
Set Clear Objectives and Milestones
Both mentor and mentee should agree on specific goals and timelines.
Regular Meetings
These should be scheduled to discuss progress, address challenges, and adjust plans.
Feedback Loops
Constructive and honest feedback should be exchanged freely to foster growth and improvement.
When do you need a mentor?
Deciding whether you need a business or career mentor involves assessing your current professional situation, your future goals, and the challenges. Here are several factors to consider that can help you determine if seeking a mentor is the right step for you:
Career or Business Stage
Early Stage
If you're just starting out in your career or launching a business, a mentor can provide guidance, prevent common mistakes, and help you set a strong foundation.
Growth Stage
If you’re looking to advance in your career or expand your business, a mentor with experience in scaling operations or climbing the corporate ladder could be invaluable.
Transition Stage
If you are considering a significant change, like shifting industries or pivoting your business model, a mentor who has navigated similar transitions can offer crucial insights.
Specific Challenges
Technical Skills
If you lack certain technical skills that are critical for your role or business, a mentor who is proficient in those areas can help you acquire them.
Strategic Thinking
If you're struggling with strategic planning or long-term decision making, a mentor with strategic experience can provide perspective and advice.
Networking
If expanding your professional network is a challenge, a well-connected mentor can introduce you to key contacts.
Professional Goals
Clear Goals
If you have specific career objectives like achieving a certain position, or business goals like reaching a target revenue, a mentor can help outline the steps needed to achieve these.
Lack of Clarity
If you are unsure about your professional direction, a mentor can help you explore your interests and strengths to clarify your goals.
Personal Development Needs
Leadership Skills
If you aspire to take on leadership roles, a mentor can help develop your leadership style and capabilities.
Work-Life Balance
If managing the demands of your professional and personal life is becoming overwhelming, a mentor who has mastered this balance can share strategies.
Feedback and Accountability
Regular Feedback
If you feel your growth is stagnating due to a lack of constructive feedback, a mentor can fill that gap.
Accountability
 If you struggle with self-motivation or procrastination, a mentor can serve as an accountability partner to keep you focused on your goals.
Finding a Mentor
If, after considering these factors, you believe a mentor could benefit you, the next steps involve identifying potential mentors who align with your needs and goals. So how do you find a mentor, and will they be right for you?
Pathways to New Careers with Trusted Mentors
BiG Day In (Year 9-12 and university students) is a great example of bringing mentors to share their knowledge and experience.
The Big Day In Industry presenters include WiseTech Global, Adobe, IBM, Microsoft, Westpac, Google, NAB, TechnologyOne, Avanade, Department of Human Services, CBA, Animal Logic, Apple, Defence Force Recruiting, CBA and many more. So far over 50,000 students have helped explore where a career in technology can taken them.
The ACS Foundation has taken a fresh look at mentoring to make it inclusive for all those that participate. The end result is a more knowledgeable and better prepared group entering a fast growing and changing career.
Mentoring at many levels
There are many different groups and organisations that run mentoring programs. One of the great benefits in joining industry organisations or groups is the network and connection to experienced individuals.
Workplace Programs
Many organisations have formal mentoring programs. Joining one can be a straightforward way to start.
Professional Associations
Many fields have professional groups that facilitate mentoring relationships. Industry-specific platforms like the ACS Foundation or Australian Computer Society or the Australian Institute of Company Directors as examples can connect you with mentors.
Educational Institutions
Alumni networks often seek experienced alumni willing to mentor current students. Universities, colleges and other educational services often have mentor programs such as the UTS Mentor Platform or Sydney University Mentor Program as examples.
Online Platforms
Social media like LinkedIn and the LinkedIn Mentoring Program or Facebook. Websites like Flying Solo, Savvy SME,  Mentor Cruise (international platform paid service), or organisations online service such as Small Business Mentoring Service.
Community Organisations
Local community centres and not-for-profit organisations often look for mentors to support their community of members.
Lastly, approach potential mentors with a clear idea of what you are seeking from the relationship and what you can offer in return, ensuring a mutually beneficial and respectful partnership.
Can Artificial Intelligence Serve as a Mentor?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT, CoPilot or Gemini for example could potentially act as a mentor in specific, well-defined areas, particularly where large data processing and pattern recognition are beneficial. For instance, AI can guide users through technical training, language learning, or professional skills development based on algorithms and programmed content.
There are already a number of ChatGPT Models built for specific mentoring scenarios.
Pros of AI as a Mentor
Consistency and Availability
AI mentors are available 24/7, providing consistent and immediate feedback without the limitations of human fatigue or unavailability.
Scalability
AI can handle a large number of mentees simultaneously, making it a scalable solution for organisations looking to provide mentoring to many individuals.
Data-Driven Insights
AI systems can analyse vast amounts of data quickly and provide insights and recommendations based on this analysis. This can be particularly useful in identifying trends, weaknesses, or opportunities for improvement that may not be easily visible to human mentors.
Personalisation
Through machine learning, AI can adapt to the individual learning pace and style of each mentee, potentially offering a highly personalised learning experience.
Cons of AI as a Mentor
Lack of Human Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
AI lacks the capability to understand and respond to human emotions in a deep and meaningful way. Emotional intelligence is a critical component of effective mentorship, especially when dealing with complex personal or ethical issues.
Limited Contextual Understanding
AI operates based on algorithms and data patterns and may not fully understand context or nuance in the same way a human mentor would. This can limit its effectiveness in nuanced scenarios or in fields where contextual judgment is key.
No Personal Experiences
A significant part of mentoring involves sharing personal experiences and lessons learned. AI does not have personal experiences or the ability to innovate based on past personal challenges and successes.
Ethical and Privacy Concerns
The use of AI in mentoring raises concerns about data privacy, ethical use of information, and the potential biases programmed into AI systems, which can affect the advice and guidance provided.
Trusted Mentors Pathways to Success
Launch yourself into a New Career
For those considering taking on this rewarding role, remember that the success of a mentorship lies in mutual respect, commitment, and active engagement. Managing this process effectively through clear communication and goal setting is the key to a fruitful mentor-mentee relationship.
Unlike an Influencer or role model, a mentor’s role is both professional and demanding, involving the shaping of future leaders and innovators. By providing guidance, building skills, expanding networks, and offering emotional support, mentors play a crucial role in the professional development of their mentees.
Looking into the future AI could complement human mentors in certain technical or skill-based areas. But now it is not currently capable of fully replicating the comprehensive role of a human mentor. However, AI can serve as a useful adjunct tool in mentoring, providing data-driven insights and allowing for scalability and consistency in mentorship programs. For now, the best use case may be a hybrid approach where AI supports human mentors, enhancing their ability to manage and personalise learning at scale.
Author: John Debrincat FACS, MAICD
Chair of the ACS Foundation Board
Principle Consultant at ShapedLogic