Mentoring is one of the most rewarding things you can do at work, whether you are the mentor, the mentee, or even just someone watching the journey unfold. You do not need to be an expert or have all the answers to be a good mentor. In fact, the best mentors are those who are down-to-earth, relatable, and genuinely excited about helping others grow. If you are looking to build your mentoring skills or just want to get more out of mentoring relationships in your workplace, you are in the right place. Here are some fun, practical tips to help you get started.
Start with Trust and Openness
Great mentoring relationships are built on a foundation of trust. As a mentor, it is important to create a safe space where your mentee feels comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and even making mistakes. Be open about your own experiences, including the times when you have stumbled or learned things the hard way. This honesty helps your mentee see you as approachable and real, rather than someone who is always perfect. Remember, mentoring is not about showing off it is about sharing and learning together.
Set Clear Goals (But Stay Flexible)
To get the most out of mentoring, work together to set some goals at the start. What does your mentee want to achieve? Maybe it is building confidence in meetings, learning a new skill, or preparing for a new role. Write down these goals and check in regularly on progress. But do not get too hung up on sticking to a rigid plan. Sometimes, the best learning happens when you go off-script and tackle challenges as they pop up. Flexibility keeps things interesting and makes mentoring feel natural rather than forced.
Ask More, Tell Less
One of the biggest myths about mentoring is that you have to have all the answers. In reality, good mentors ask more questions than they answer. Get curious! Ask open questions like What would you like to try next? or How did that feel? This helps your mentee think for themselves and builds their confidence much faster than just telling them what to do. Plus, it keeps the conversation lively and led by the mentee’s needs, not just your own experience.
Share Real Stories and Practical Tips
Abstract advice can be hard to put into practice. Instead, share real stories from your own career (the highs and the lows). What did you do when you faced a tricky situation? How did you handle your first big project? What would you do differently if you could go back? Not only do these stories make mentoring more relatable, but they also give your mentee practical examples they can use in their own role. If you can, encourage your mentee to share their stories too. Swapping tales makes mentoring feel like a chat rather than a lecture.
Keep It Fun and Celebrate Progress
Mentoring does not have to be all serious business. Bring some fun into your sessions! Try walking meetings, share a coffee, or do a quick role-play of a challenging scenario. The more relaxed the atmosphere, the more likely your mentee is to open up and try new things. And do not forget to celebrate the wins, big or small. Did your mentee finally speak up in a meeting? Smash a tricky task? Take a moment to recognise it. Positive feedback builds confidence and keeps the motivation high for both of you.
Be Available and Show You Care
Mentoring works best when it is consistent. Make time in your calendar for regular catch-ups, even if they are short. Send the odd supportive message or check in between meetings. Let your mentee know you are in their corner. If you cannot answer a question straight away, be honest and follow up later. Showing you genuinely care about their growth is what makes all the difference.
Ready to Build Your Mentoring Confidence?
If you are keen to become a more confident mentor or want to set up a mentoring programme in your workplace, our Mentoring Skills Training Course is packed with practical advice, exercises, and real-world examples. Whether you are a first-time mentor or looking to sharpen your skills, you will leave with the know-how to make mentoring a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Find out more and book your place here!
