4 preconceived ideas about mentoring

Mentoring is a wonderful practice that is full of possibilities. When properly structured, a mentoring program can support many organizations in achieving their goals and thus become a powerful organizational lever. While more and more organizations are adopting a mentoring culture, we have noticed that there are still some preconceived notions associated with this practice.

At Elo, our mission is to democratize mentoring. We felt it was our duty to debunk some of the myths about mentoring. Here are 4 preconceived notions about mentoring:

1. Mentoring takes time
On the Elo mentoring application, it's the users who decide: there is no obligation to meet monthly or quarterly. Plus, because the exchanges are done via the web and mobile messaging, conversations between mentors and mentees continue wherever and whenever they want! It is also up to the mentees to define the frequency of their exchanges with their mentor. They can decide to talk weekly or monthly, depending on their needs.

3 reasons not to be afraid of the investment required for a mentoring relationship

1. YOU set the terms. Mentor/Mentee define together how often they will talk. You may decide to talk weekly or monthly, as you wish.
   
   
2. These terms are not set in stone. If at any time you wish to review these terms, you are free to do so. You never know what the future holds. Don't have as much time or would rather focus on something else? Just notify your mentor/mentee of this change!
   
   
3. You define the means of communication. Do you want to exchange exclusively by message, by phone or even by video conference? You decide according to your desires and availability!

2. The mentor is an older person

We all have something to learn and share, no matter how old we are or how long we've been with a company. This is the basis of reverse mentoring. A growing trend supported by the massive influx of millennials into the workforce who were, in a way, born with technology.

3. The mentor is a mentoring expert

It can be, but it really doesn't have to be! At Elo, we provide all the resources mentors need to learn about the practice and continually improve. In short, being a good mentor is a learning experience. In an article from the Elo blog, we revealed that it's not experience that makes a mentor better, it's training: "Mentors trained in mentoring perform better in both the psychological (reassuring, motivating) and career-related (guiding) functions."

4. Only one mentor, not more!

Another preconceived notion about mentoring is that a mentee should only have one mentor. Again, this is not a requirement. In fact, we strongly encourage Elo mentees to contact more than one mentor. Because a mentor's expertise plays a key role in mentoring exchanges, it is always a good idea to reach out to several professionals with different backgrounds. Obviously, there is often one with whom we get along better or who better meets our needs. There is nothing to stop mentees from putting more energy into the relationship at that point.