There are many advantages to becoming a mentor. You will gain a sense of purpose, communication skills, leadership skills, and a sense of well being. Did we mention it can be a good excuse to participate in activities you enjoy.
Everyone I know wants to be mentored. I would guess there are a few exceptions, but I don’t know about them. Most people I know well have asked for advice or have been asked to give advice. Most have done both. Mentoring can be viewed as someone opening doors for you, giving you opportunities to rise up, helping you avoid pitfalls and giving advice. It can also be viewed as a friendship where you experience things together. Most outdoorsmen have been mentored in outdoor skills. This is often self-serving as you now have someone to spend time with outdoors. Mentoring can also be passing on certain skills. This can be in the workplace or outside of it.
Of the people I know, fewer want to be a mentor than want to be mentored. My goal here is to help you see the benefits of being a mentor. Here is a list from a university.
Benefits of being a Mentor
- Improve communication and personal skills
- Develop leadership and management qualities
- Reinforce your own study skills and knowledge of your subject(s)
- Increase your confidence and motivation
- Engage in a volunteering opportunity, valued by employers
- Enhance your CV (Resume)
- Increase your circle of friends
- Gain recognition for your skills and experience
- Benefit from a sense of fulfilment and personal growth
I already mentioned you now have someone to join you in an area you enjoy. But I want to focus on the fourth and last benefits.
Do you know how much is spent on motivation? According to USA Today it is billions! Being a mentor costs your time and you usually end up spending a few bucks but the rewards are huge. If you have a child, what would you pay for them to be motivated, confident, fulfilled, and growing? If you do not have a child, what are you willing to do to attain these same qualities?
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