Embrace Guidance And Community For National Mentoring Day

National Mentoring Day is an event in October aiming to spread awareness of all mentors offer to their communities. Learning more about mentoring, exploring how to mentor others, and knowing the benefits of mentors are a few ways to celebrate this year. Below, We’ll explore the significance of National Mentoring Day and mentoring as a career. 

What is National Mentoring Day? 

National Mentoring Day occurs every year on October 27. A mentor provides advice and guidance to help someone move in a positive direction or meet their goals. This day offers a chance to raise awareness around the importance of mentors, celebrates the benefits of mentoring, and aims to inspire more people to become involved in mentoring. 

On top of improving specific skills, mentoring may be beneficial for mental health. Studies show that those who receive mentoring have fewer behavioral problems and fewer mental health problems. Mentoring can also improve public health and be a personal benefit in career, relationships, and other areas.

History of National Mentoring Day

Business mentor Chelsey Baker founded National Mentoring Day in 2014. The holiday was then made official by the House of Parliament in London, England, in 2016. Baker created the holiday to show how rewarding mentoring can be for mentors and mentees. National Mentoring Day allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to discuss their mentoring stories, tips, and achievements and an opportunity to attend the Mentoring Summit.  

According to the official National Mentoring Day webpage, “Uniquely positioned as the voice of mentoring, we champion all forms of mentoring across all sectors to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential through mentoring. We work to celebrate, connect, educate, and support mentors, mentees, and mentoring initiatives, giving them the recognition they deserve.”

People can also extend mentoring day into a month-long celebration with National Mentoring Month every January. Every year, MENTOR looks to lift up young people by providing support, opportunities, and resources to help young people get a headstart on their goals or ambitions in life.

Benefits of mentoring 

To celebrate National Mentoring Day, which raises awareness of the benefits of mentoring, it may be helpful to explore how these areas could benefit your life. 

Mentoring can benefit the mentor, increasing their social connection, fulfillment, and well-being. A mentor can also benefit the mentee by increasing their confidence and skill level. Mentoring may benefit organizations, companies, schools, and other arenas in which the mentor and mentee may be associated, as they can facilitate the growth of collaborative, motivated leaders. Other mentoring benefits include the following. 

Professional success

Mentoring may be a helpful tool for those looking to advance their careers. Professional mentors can discuss their stories and offer tips to those looking to learn more in their role or transition to a new role. Mentoring benefits individuals as well as the companies they work for. Forbes reports that companies that used mentoring programs had profits 18% better than average, while companies without mentoring programs had profits 45% worse than average. Additionally, 98% of US Fortune 500 companies utilize mentoring programs.

Improved mental health

Mentoring may decrease loneliness and isolation for mentors and mentees, often inspiring connection and positive relationship building. Research shows that people who act as mentors have lower levels of anxiety than those who do not mentor. Mentees experience increased confidence, self-esteem, and a more positive outlook, all of which contribute to improved mental health. 58% of young people who have worked with a mentor say their mentor supported their mental health.

Improved job satisfaction

Working with a mentor may help you feel more comfortable and competent in your career. Studies show that employees with mentors report higher job satisfaction. Additionally, mentoring may help you progress to higher levels in your field. Forbes reports that mentees are promoted five times more often than those without mentors and six times more likely to be promoted.  

Overall improved life satisfaction

Forbes reports that 76% of people think mentors are important, and 87% of mentors and mentees experience a sense of empowerment from mentoring relationships. When individuals have a higher sense of confidence and empowerment, they often have a more positive outlook and can be more motivated to reach life's goals.

A positive foundation

60% of people under the age of 40 are still utilizing advice that came from their childhood mentors. Working with a mentor from a young age may help individuals be empowered beyond childhood and into their futures.

How you can make a difference with mentoring 

Some people may be interested in celebrating National Mentoring Day by becoming a mentor. This career choice can foster positive mentoring experiences that enrich individuals’ lives. In addition, there can be options to specialize in youth mentoring, employment mentoring, or another mentoring event that can connect you with mentees. If you’re considering becoming a mentor, consider the following traits that may be helpful in your career. 

Listening skills

While some may think of the mentee as the one who has to engage in deep listening, it can be valuable for mentors to listen to their mentee, especially if they are struggling. Being able to listen may enable you to give better guidance to your mentee. It may be challenging to provide authentic advice if you’re unsure what they’re experiencing or how they feel about it. 

Mutual respect

Your mentee may look up to you. However, there can be areas you disagree on. For example, an older adult might disagree with cultural ideas from the next generation. However, keeping an open mind and maintaining respect can foster a trusting and meaningful mentoring relationship.

Open communication

Like other relationships, a mentor-mentee relationship can be complicated and run into rough patches. Maintaining open communication if conflict arrives can be a helpful way to maintain the integrity of your mentorship. 

Flexibility

Although you may be providing a significant amount of guidance and feedback to your mentee, stay open to the possibility that you may also learn from them. Staying flexible in your mindset could help you be perceived as more approachable and act as an adaptable role model.  

Support options 

Working with a mentor is one way to create a mutually supportive relationship if you're looking for mental health support. However, mentoring is not a replacement for therapy, and mentors are not licensed to offer therapy or mental health treatment. For this reason, reaching out to a therapist can be beneficial for working through more complex challenges. 

Whether you are struggling with a mental health condition like anxiety or depression or experiencing more stress or self-esteem issues than usual, a therapist can help you address your challenges head-on and implement effective solutions. There are multiple modality options, including group therapy or traditional, one-on-one therapy. 

People with hectic lifestyles may appreciate the convenience of online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, where individuals can connect with a mental health professional from the comfort of their homes. Online therapy platforms allow clients to schedule a session at a time that works for them, including outside of standard business hours. Additionally, studies show that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for treating various mental illnesses.