Mentoring as a Soft Skill

A mentor who is more experienced in a particular field or job might help several people.

The term "soft skill" relates to a set of traits a person might have that benefit him in a work or educational setting, beyond actual mechanical skills, or capabilities and techniques to perform a job. Mentoring is a skill which primarily centers on helping others complete their tasks and goals. This can include assisting students in school, helping an apprentice in a certain field, overseeing a professional in a particular job, or coaching an individual toward a self-set goal.

Variations

Other words that hold similar attributes as a "mentor" are adviser, teacher, consultant, trainer, tutor, coach, counsellor, preceptor, guide, and instructor. Qualifications attached to each of these may either focus on a broad realm of experience, or can lend to very specific duties within a given avocation or function. Where the soft skill comes into play is more about how the mentor interacts (calmly, safely, and in a trusting manner), and the effectiveness of her capabilities as seen in the results experienced by the person being mentored.

Mentoring at School

As high school and college students move forward in educational goals, they will likely encounter several mentors along the way. These could be people who help them prepare for examinations, who assist in choosing appropriate elements of a curriculum, and who oversee a project toward completion for a class. Interactions may be during school hours or scheduled afterward. Some people prefer to work one-on-one with a mentor with whom they feel quite comfortable. Others prefer to work in small groups with a mentor who is skilled at juggling the needs of several people at once.

Mentoring in Business

A good mentor will help a new employee orient easily to a new job.

When a person is hired for a new job or changes positions, he may initially require guidance to foster desired outcomes. A good boss will match the new employee to someone whose mentoring skills are proven -- usually someone who knows the ropes of the entire business, and who has excellent interpersonal abilities. The business mentor will be a clear communicator who easily balances the needs of the business with those of the new employee. The mentor will help in whatever is needed, from orientation to scheduling and operation details.

Mentoring in a Particular Craft or Field

A student filmmaker may work with producing or directing mentors.

Film directors, photographers, nurses, pilots, geologists, plumbers, musicians and engineers are just a few of the numerous professionals who can opt to mentor others. The relationship built between the professional and the person who wants to achieve similar status will vary widely. A good mentor will authentically guide the individual, taking her "under wing" in a generous manner toward becoming excellent in the chosen craft. The person being mentored will gain advice and specific viewpoints based on the mentor's own experience, and can become proficient through spending considerable time with the mentor while in the field, on location, or focused on the elements needed for fine-tuning the task at hand.

References

• Step Up Women's Network: Professional Mentorship
• Business Week: Mentors Make a Business Better

Resources

• Inc.: Finding a Mentor
• Service Corps of Retired Executives
• The Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters