There are a number of important roles in business such as leader, manager and advisor to name but a few. One such role that falls into this category is that of mentor. It is a significant role that can lead to business success irrespective of whether you work within a large corporate, small to medium enterprise or micro business. Whatever the organisational structure mentors can and do play a key role. This article will explore mentoring its relationship to business success and enablers and obstacles to effective mentoring relationships.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is one specific type of one-on-one relationship that can exist within the workplace. This type of relationship usually involves an experienced person in a relevant area of business (known as the mentor) teaming up with a less experienced person (known as the mentee or protégé). It does not always mean that the mentor is older than the protégé it is more related to particular business experience and expertise. The objective of the relationship is that the mentor can assist the protégé in navigating some of the less obvious aspects of the business landscape such as multiple relationships, complexity and ambiguity to name but a few.

There are two key aspects that are impacted in a mentor relationship these are:
• Career advancement for the protégé (performance)
• The emotional and psychological development of the protégé (confidence)

With the rapid change in technology and the ready availability of endless information it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking this is the most beneficial source of knowledge. However an underutilised resource is experience. There are many instances in the workplace where experience is discounted. This is a mindset that needs to be reconsidered otherwise some significant business gains could be either overlooked or missed. Utilising mentor(s) effectively can help to redress this issue.

10 Reasons to Encourage Mentoring to Enhance Business Success

1. Consider it a strategic necessity to ensure the transfer of important corporate knowledge
2. Understand the value of different and new perspectives that can occur through harnessing the benefits that can come through mentor relationships
3. This type of relationship provides an opportunity to share information in a purposeful and productive manner
4. It encourages skill development within the organisation enhancing the overall resource capability within the business
5. It is a productive mechanism that can help to reduce workplace conflict
6. Helps to develop and encourage cross generational understanding and interaction
7. Provides a more relaxed context to share information
8. Empowers and enhances the self esteem of the protégé and also the mentor by extending the scope of activity they might normally be involved in on a day to day basis
9. Assists with enhancing organisational relationships
10. Increases the likelihood of employees succeeding and ultimately contributing to achieving business objectives

Enablers and Obstacles to Effective Mentoring

There is much evidence to suggest there is great value to be gained from mentoring relationships. It is also important to realise that there are a number of enablers and obstacles that can impact the success of mentoring relationships. These are listed below.

There is much to be gained from mentoring relationships in order to assist with the achievement of business success however these relationships require prudent management in order to maximise the benefits that are available through relationships such as this.

Carol McGowan is a Business and Life Coach, Counsellor and Educator. Her passion is helping individuals and businesses to make successful transitions. Carol has over 35 years experience in business and has just released a book called Aspiring to Good Business. She may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Information about Carol can be found at www.besa.com.au