Why having an external mentor is essential
In our professional lives, having an external mentor – someone outside our immediate circle or organisation – is like having a secret weapon for success.
While internal mentoring can be incredibly valuable, external mentors bring a broader range of experiences and insights from different companies, sectors, backgrounds and career paths.
This diversity often leads to more innovative solutions and a wider network of opportunities. Whether it’s an external mentor or an internal advisor, having someone to lean on can make all the difference in achieving our goals and navigating the twists and turns of your career.
The advantages of having an external mentor:
Fresh Perspectives
As an external mentor I can bring fresh perspectives and insights that may not be readily available within the mentee’s organisation. My alternative viewpoints and innovative solutions can invigorate the mentee’s thinking, offering new approaches to challenges they face.
Broader Network
I will provide opportunities to introduce mentees to a broader network of professionals, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships beyond their immediate network. My connections and resources can enrich the mentee’s professional ecosystem, providing access to valuable contacts they might not have encountered otherwise.
Diverse Skill Sets
My diverse skill set and experiences from other companies can complement those of the mentee, enhancing their learning and development. By sharing my expertise, I will expose mentees to new ways of thinking and problem-solving, ultimately fostering a more well-rounded skillset.
Cross-Industry Learning
Mentoring relationships will allow me to share insights into best practices, trends, and strategies from my experiences, facilitating cross-industry learning for the mentee. My knowledge can help the mentee gain a broader understanding of different ways of thinking, leading to innovation and adaptation in their current company.
Innovation and Creativity
As a mentor from outside the mentee’s firm, I can inspire innovation and creativity by introducing the mentee to different approaches, technologies, and business models. My diverse perspectives can fuel the mentees creativity and encourage out-of-the-box thinking, driving innovation in their work.
Career Exploration
Mentoring provides an opportunity to offer guidance and advice on career exploration outside the mentee’s current field. By sharing insights into other industries, I can help them broaden their horizons and pursue new opportunities, shaping their long-term career trajectory.
Risk Mitigation
My experiences on a different career path can offer valuable advice on risk management and mitigation strategies, helping the mentee anticipate and navigate potential challenges. My insights contribute to their risk mitigation efforts, ultimately increasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
Personal Development
Interacting with mentees from a different background will allow me to foster their personal growth and development. By challenging them to step out of their comfort zones and adapt to new environments, I will help them cultivate adaptability and resilience, preparing them for future challenges.
Cultural Awareness
Mentoring relationships with individuals from other companies promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity. My exposure to different organisational cultures, norms, and practices helps mentees develop new ideas about their career path and appreciate diversity in the workplace.
Future-proofing Skills
I can help mentees future-proof their skills and adapt to evolving trends and disruptions. By sharing insights from my experiences, I will enable them to stay abreast of developments, positioning them as agile and forward-thinking professionals and bringing new ideas into their workplace.
Overall, I can enrich mentees’ professional development, expand their networks, and enhance their ability to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global economy.