A female mentor is instrumental in developing the knowledge base of young female professionals. New female hires will likely posses an educational degree, but might lack on-the-job training.
A successful woman in the workplace is in a prime position to offer mentorship to other females who want to advance their careers. A seasoned businesswoman conveys a perspective her counterparts may not posses; however, with conversations and personal guidance she has the ability to steer other women in an empowering direction. This cooperative team building helps not only the mentor, but also shows young professionals how to pay it forward.
How a Female Mentor Benefits & Guides Young Professionals
A female mentor is instrumental in developing the knowledge base of young female professionals. New female hires will likely posses an educational degree, but might lack on-the-job training. A seasoned mentor will educate young professionals on local company culture and point to resources to sharpen skills. New hires observe the seasoned mentor in action and receive a bird’s eye view on time management, managing personalities and gaining knowledge in the industry.
By fostering a relationship, a female mentor shares her management style and what is important to her in directing staff and how to diffuse negative situations or personalities. Young professionals quickly identify what traits and skills are required to get the job done.
With time, a seasoned mentor will introduce young professionals to her contacts in efforts to expand their network. These newer relationships will also offer opportunities to connect and learn from other people in the industry.
Characteristics of a Woman Mentor
Certain character traits help a woman land a mentorship role. A female mentor is opportunity-driven and likely prepares for the predictable and unpredictable. This includes doing additional research, establishing a rapport with important clients or personalizing her interactions with her colleagues.
A female mentor is strategic not only at work, but also in her personal life. She plans ahead. She is proactive and careful with both business and personal finances. By protecting her position, professionally and personally, she limits her exposure to distractions which might interfere with her job.
Young professionals will recognize a female mentor’s passion about her work through her desire to come into the office early, stay late and always put forth her best effort.
Although a female mentor loves her job, it doesn’t come at the sacrifice of her family and traditions at home. Younger hires will also see a mentor taking time off to balance commitments at home. The female mentor will attend her child’s school play or get home in time for dinner. This balance fuels a mentor’s ability to do her job successfully at work.
Finding a Female Mentor
Before launching a search for a female mentor, young professionals must define what they want from the relationship. After reflecting on these goals, young professionals should talk to friends and families members familiar with their industry to determine if they know someone who is willing to mentor.
Inquire within the company for female mentors and attend professional organizations where you network with other women. Contact old bosses or your college alumni program for leads on a mentor.
If you are a seasoned professional who is interested in mentoring someone, make this well-known within your company and let colleagues know you are happy to show the ropes to a new hire.
A female mentor not only empowers others, but also strengthens her core by giving back to others.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
Quiet is a necessary thread that helps navigate my days. Without some solitude, my irritation rises and creativity suffers. I continue to work toward incorporating meditation in my life.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
A morning run helps clear my mind and provides the pulse for clarity during the day. I still struggle to deal with uncertainty and learning to let go.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
This is a complicated question where the answer depends on the particular season of my life. Right now, I love how motherhood redefines my notion of ambition. My achievements and goals are evolving. Age and experience tend to tinker with the way I view success.
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I tend to gravitate toward worst case scenarios and jump to conclusions without letting situations unfold. It is still a process for me to approach uncertain moments with a quieter approach.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my willingness to appreciate the grace in the ordinary. The everyday delights of my life foster my relationship with gratitude.
