Growing a Team, Not Just One Person
Mentoring has become one of the most powerful forces for growth I’ve ever experienced, both personally and professionally. It’s a journey where mentor and mentee walk side by side, learning from each other, pushing boundaries, and unlocking potential that neither might reach alone.
Mentoring means experienced individuals guiding others to enhance performance and development. For a well‑regarded definition and exploration of mentor behaviours, see “What the Best Mentors Do” – Harvard Business Review.
As a mentor, I don’t just guide someone else’s path, I deepen my own understanding, sharpen my skills, and grow as a leader. The privilege of sharing my experience and watching someone transform because of it is profoundly fulfilling. It reminds me why I chose this career and fuels my passion every day.
Mentoring gives me the opportunity to make a real, positive impact on someone’s life and career. It creates a ripple effect, building a culture of trust, support, and collaboration that uplifts not just individuals but entire teams and organizations.
Through this journey, I have expanded my network, strengthened my leadership, and found a renewed sense of purpose. Mentoring challenges me to see the world through fresh eyes, inspiring me to reach higher while helping others soar.
At the heart of it all is a deep commitment to connection. Trust, empathy, and open communication are the foundation stones. I remind myself daily that true mentorship requires active listening and a heartfelt desire to empower others to become their very best selves.
Women in IT
I am proud to say that my mentee is female.
Supporting women in technology is not just a matter for women alone, it requires active engagement from men as allies and advocates. Men have a crucial role to play in advancing gender diversity and fostering inclusion in the workplace. This means listening carefully to women’s experiences and perspectives, amplifying their voices, celebrating their achievements, and challenging the biases and stereotypes that still persist.
As men, we must consciously create and open doors for women to excel, grow, and lead in technology. We need to work tirelessly to build workplaces that are truly equitable and inclusive, where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.
Having spent over 25 years in IT, I have witnessed firsthand the many barriers women face, from systemic gender bias and unconscious stereotypes to the lack of representation in leadership roles. These challenges are real and persistent, but they are not insurmountable.
By mentoring women in technology, we have the power to nurture a culture of genuine collaboration and allyship. This support must be empowering rather than patronising, uplifting voices, providing opportunities, and helping to create an environment where women can succeed on their own terms.
Together, we can build a technology industry where diversity is a strength, inclusion is the norm, and everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.
Mentoring in the Workplace: Then and Now
I consider myself fortunate to work in an organisation that truly values mentorship and encourages it as part of our workplace culture. While we don’t yet have a formal, structured mentorship program, mentors and mentees are paired thoughtfully based on individual goals and development needs.
This flexible approach gives us the freedom to shape the relationship in a way that works best for both parties. I connect with my mentee almost daily, whether it’s answering questions, sharing helpful resources, or troubleshooting challenges that might be holding her back from performing at her best.
For stats and documented outcomes, on Mentorship: Mentorship – Wikipedia (summarizing key HBR findings).
In addition to this ongoing support, we dedicate about an hour every two weeks for informal catch-ups, and whenever possible, we meet face-to-face every few months to strengthen our connection. Importantly, this relationship is never one-sided, my mentee often offers fresh perspectives and insights that help me grow just as much as she does.
Mentoring a Growing, Globally Distributed Team
Today, my mentoring journey has evolved from guiding a single individual to leading a globally distributed team of solutions engineers. Within this diverse team are two talented female engineers, including one of my newest junior hires, whom I’m thrilled to support and help grow as they navigate their career paths.
Mentoring has expanded far beyond one-on-one conversations. It now embraces a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and mutual support across time zones and varying experience levels. I tailor my approach to each team member’s unique needs, whether that’s providing daily guidance, sharing valuable resources, holding regular check-ins, or developing personalized growth plans.
Despite the challenges remote work presents, we maintain strong, consistent communication through informal catch-ups, video calls, and open messaging channels. Building trust and connection is at the heart of everything we do, empowering my team to perform at their best and grow with confidence.
Growing Mentorship Programs and Culture
I am hopeful that over time we will develop structured programs that include dedicated training and resources for both mentors and mentees, helping us all continuously improve our mentoring skills. This could be a collaborative effort I undertake with my mentees as a group, working together to shape a mentorship culture that is not only supportive and inclusive but also dynamic and responsive. Recognising and rewarding the contributions of mentors, while actively seeking feedback from mentees about what truly works for them, will be key to building lasting success.
To help mentors structure effective sessions, consider using the GROW model (Goal–Reality–Options–Way forward): The GROW Model of Coaching and Mentoring – MindTools.
It would be fantastic for organisations to actively encourage cross-generational and cross-functional mentorship relationships, fostering opportunities for people to connect beyond their immediate teams. Hosting regular networking events, workshops, and forums where mentors and mentees can engage, share experiences, and learn from each other would strengthen these bonds. By championing a culture of open knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and investment in mentorship initiatives, companies can accelerate professional growth, enhance knowledge transfer, and boost overall employee engagement and satisfaction.
Ultimately, strong mentorship programs not only empower individuals, they transform organisations into vibrant learning communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What Makes a Good Mentor?
Mentoring is a powerful way to build meaningful connections and relationships while actively contributing to the growth and success of others. As a mentor, you have the unique opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on someone’s life and career. At the same time, you gain a profound sense of satisfaction and fulfilment from helping others reach their potential. In essence, volunteering as a mentor is a way to pay it forward, sharing your expertise, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and driving improvement within your industry or community.
Mentoring can take many forms, one being reverse mentoring, which flips traditional roles to foster digital and cultural fluency. Explore this concept further in “The Definitive Guide to Implementing Reverse Mentoring” – AIHR.
Over time, I’ve reflected on the qualities that make an effective mentor. It’s clear that successful mentors require a diverse set of skills and attributes to truly support and guide their mentees.
A great mentor is an active listener who shows empathy and patience, communicates clearly, and adapts their approach to fit the needs of the mentee. Emotional intelligence and integrity are essential, as is the ability to provide honest, constructive feedback. Above all, mentors must be genuinely invested in the well-being and growth of their mentees, willing to share their own experiences and insights openly and authentically.
Mentoring Beyond the Workplace: Volunteering and Giving Back
Mentoring doesn’t stop when you leave the office. Over the years, I have been deeply involved in volunteering through Scouting and various charities focused on developing and supporting young people. One of the most rewarding aspects of this has been my participation in sail training, where I serve as a fully qualified skipper.
Taking young people out to sea, even for extended periods, is a unique and profound experience. In this role, you become more than just a mentor; you take on the responsibilities of a guide, a parent, and a trusted friend. You are entrusted with someone else’s most precious treasure: their child.
Life at sea teaches invaluable lessons about leadership and problem-solving. On a boat, any challenge must be tackled using only the resources available on board. There’s no calling for outside help; you are managing and leading people 24/7, often under challenging conditions. The skills developed in this environment, quick decision-making, resourcefulness, resilience, clear communication, and calm under pressure, translate directly to the workplace.
These experiences reinforce a powerful mindset: that with the right attitude and teamwork, any problem can be resolved. Volunteering as a mentor outside work has broadened my perspective on what true leadership and responsibility mean. It’s a constant reminder that mentorship is not only about sharing knowledge but about guiding, supporting, and inspiring growth in all areas of life.
Final Thoughts
What I truly know is that mentoring is one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences you can undertake. Whether you’re guiding one individual or leading an entire team, mentoring fosters meaningful relationships and sparks personal growth on both sides. It demands time, patience, and dedication, but the profound impact it has on the careers and lives of both mentor and mentee makes it more than worth the effort.
My experiences mentoring within the workplace and volunteering beyond it, from supporting young people in Scouting to leading sail training expeditions, have taught me that true mentorship transcends context. It is about commitment, trust, adaptability, and above all, genuine care for another person’s growth and well-being.
As I continue to grow and support my global team of solutions engineers, including two incredibly talented female engineers, I remain deeply inspired by the opportunity to help others succeed. Mentoring is not just about teaching; it’s about learning and evolving together. It challenges me to be a better leader, listener, and human being. I look forward to this ongoing journey of shared growth, resilience, and success, both professionally and personally.
If you haven’t yet embraced mentoring in some form, I encourage you to start. The rewards are limitless, and the impact you can make might just change someone’s life; and your own.
Whether it’s through work, volunteering, or everyday interactions, mentoring is a gift worth giving. So, take the step, offer your time, your insight, your support. You never know who you might help become their best self.
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