Three senior executives and McCarthy Mentoring mentors say grab the opportunity with both hands, openness and trust is vital for a good mentoring relationship and both parties should come to the meeting prepared and committed.
In an interview with Human Resources Monthly, Ed Cooley, Tracey McCosker and Sally Loane refer to the value of mentoring to test ideas and discuss challenges with someone who can say “I’ve been where you’ve been, so let’s talk about it.”
- Ed Cooley, Executive General Manager, Talent & Planning, People Experience, Suncorp Group says “mentors have to be comfortable sharing experiences that might not have been positive, because openness builds trust and confidence in you as a mentor. As a mentor or mentee, look for those unexpected pairings. Some of my best experiences have been with people I don’t normally encounter. It’s a challenge at first to see what you can give them, but it’s rewarding as well.”
- Tracey McCosker, CEO, Health Pathology – “the mentee should come with considered questions, be prepared to listen, and ready to learn and actively engage. Often a mentee might already know the answers
but needs someone to talk it through, test the answers and then tweak them.” - Sally Loane, CEO, Financial Services Council of Australia – “if offered the chance grab it with both hands because you will learn so much. If you don’t, look at someone you admire and watch how they work. If it’s not offered, ask for it.”
Read the full article It Takes Two, Human Resources Monthly, July 2016
