January is mentoring month. What a great time to devote some extra attention to the idea of mentoring and the mentors in our life. We’re at the beginning of the year when we are making our plans and setting goals for ourselves. Typically once these activities are complete we pat ourselves on the back for taking the time to set our course for the year. But wait! There’s one more step! Have you thought about who is going to provide support and guidance for you along the way? Who will be mentoring, coaching and sponsoring you as you move forward? Consciously designing our developmental network is a critical step in the process.

What is a developmental network?

According to David A. Thomas, a developmental network is “a set of relationships an individual has with people who take an active interest in and action to advance the individual’s career by assisting with his or her personal and professional development.” The key word here is relationships. A specific type of relationship that we have with people who are interested in our development and yet do not personally stand to gain anything themselves other than the sweet satisfaction of helping someone on her/his path to success.

The Role of Mentors in Your Developmental Network

Mentoring is the act of helping someone to learn. Mentors are facilitators and catalysts in a process of discovery and insight. I like the concept of relational mentoring. Relational mentoring provides the framework for building authentic connections which result in the capacity for increased growth, positivity and productivity. Relational mentoring is a reciprocal learning partnership based on the concept of mutual influence that is described as “power with” versus “power over”. This model de-emphasizes the power associated with a person’s position or identity group memberships and fosters the expansive possibilities for mutual learning and growth.

What is mentoring?

• A two-way, supportive learning relationship – the act of helping each other learn
• Career advancement, role modeling, leadership development, personal support, access to power.
• Focus on maximizing potential
• Help  navigating through the organization – how to get things done.
• No personal agendas in the relationship – mentee or mentor.
• Safe place to bounce ideas and get objective advice from a trusted guide/friend.
• Focus on the means not the end.

Why mentoring? (Benefits)

• Accelerated learning
• Trusted ally and confidant – feelings of belonging
• Someone to provide support – advocate
• Increased confidence
• Expanded network
• Overcome stereotypes
• Assistance with problem solving
• More diverse perspectives – improved creativity and innovation
• Bigger picture view – expanded knowledge of the company or industry
• More success in current role – better results faster
• Improve skills of managing a multicultural workforce

So as you review your plans and goals for this year spend a few minutes thinking about who you can turn to or recruit as a mentor to support your development. Also consider how you can support that person and what you have to offer.  Each of us has knowledge and experience that we can share with others. That’s the generative gift of mentoring.