How Mentoring Works

Many people are curious about mentoring and aren't always sure what it means outside of corporate programs or formal structures. In reality, mentoring conversations are often much simpler.

People sometimes reach out when they might be are considering a career move and want input as well as an impartial perspective. Others may be approaching retirement and are wondering what comes next. And sometimes people simply feel that something either at work or in their personal life needs to shift, but they aren't sure how.

A mentoring conversation usually begins with a simple question:"What has been on your mind lately?" From there we talk and explore the situation, the options that someone might be considering and the assumptions that might be shaping their thinking. Often people already have good instincts – they either sense that they are missing a vital piece of information or they simply haven't had the opportunity to say their thoughts out loud to someone outside their immediate circle.

Mentoring isn't about telling someone what to do.It’s about creating a thoughtful space to pause, reflect and consider what direction might come next.

Sometimes one conversation may be enough. Other times people return as new questions arise. Most people don’t need a long process.They simply need a second perspective at the right moment.