Do you Mentor, Why or Why Not?

Alison's Contribution:

“Yes I mentor. 

Why - because I want to help someone achieve their success - what ever that may be for them. I believe there is value I can add.  Mostly informal. 

How do I go about it? - usually by accident (I was told more than a few times that people bring their problems to me - even if I can't help, I can listen.) 

I also participated in the Business In the Community programme as a mentor for a Head Teacher and continue to help as and when I can. 

I'm not as good at asking for help. 

Let me share a recent experience. I was helping out at mock interview day at my son's school - six 20 minute interviews designed to give Year 11 students a real taste what it is like going to a job interview. They respond to one of 12 adverts, prepare their cv and come dressed in the part (non school uniform). 

Interviewers have a set of questions, a score sheet, a feedback sheet and an award sheet. 250 candidates, 6-8 per interviewer. 

I was told the last candidate was "difficult" to work with. He looked a bit so-so on paper (good effort for the first cv he ever produced). He had a recommendation from his ICT teacher (the only recommendation I had seen all day) and had really dressed the part. 

Poker faced. It was difficult to get a word out of him. I asked more open questions - brief answers. Poker faced. I persevered. 

He finally started talking a bit - showed appropriate skills - still very unanimated. I finally asked him if he really wanted the job - YES was his response. So there was something to work with. 

He was so nervous and this interview was so important that he completely froze. We uncovered some really relevant things (including his out of school activities) which would be impressive on his cv. 

Yes I told him exactly how to organise his cv. Yes, I praised him several times getting through it - and having a concrete example of a difficult experience to relate to future employers. Yes, I gave him two awards - one for his appearance and the other for being "hired" - he really had the potential to do the job. 

I suspect the best advice I gave him though was to smile and to look like he was enjoying himself. Never undervalue the impact you can have on another - it's about how you go about helping them which makes a mentor. 

These are things which can be learned. Hope this helps in some small way, Alison”