AUDIO // In this episode Claire speaks about Leadership & Mentorship.
Mentorship and Leadership are two words applied to training in many occupational settings including eldercare. With the eldercare industry focus on employee retention and quality care, developing employees who can lead and mentor is good business. When you hear these terms what’s your first thought?
“Sign me up!” ”That’s not for me.” or “Who are they talking to?”
In the business realm these terms have very specific meanings, most often defined by managerial roles and years of experience. If you’re entering an occupational path you may be focused on the initial job requirements, however, it’s worth a look at what management training your employer offers. If you’ve been a manager for a while you may be looking to develop additional skills; mentoring could be one. Being open to learning demonstrates a willingness to contribute to your team goals and a commitment to your organization.
In fact, leading a team towards a common goal or mentoring an individual employee on problem-solving and career strategy puts a professional gloss on relational skills that are needed in many aspects of life. Skill-building takes time and it also takes awareness. Understanding your job requirements is your first step. Being able to describe those requirements to a new employee, as well as troubleshooting problems along the way towards fulfilling those requirements, is how you train others. Identifying solutions can help another avoid on the job errors costing them advancement.
Furthermore, informal learning through mentoring is a two-way street. A mentee receives problem-solving guidance, insight into workplace relationship-building and advice on work-life balance. In return, the mentor gains insight into employee perspective, an introduction to a new generation of skills and interests and, ideally, inspiration for the future of the industry.
When a new role begins to be familiar, look to deepen your practice with next-level achievement. Practice builds confidence and positive performance. When job stress outweighs the reward, talk to others about maintaining a balanced perspective. You may attract a mentor through your proactive effort. On the job over time, positions at any level can feel stale. Pursue continuing education, leveling-up your skills to match or stay ahead of incoming new hires. You will feel more engaged and motivated by taking an intentional approach to your work.
Developing relationships among team members and across the organization will boost your confidence and increase your chances of new opportunities. Workshops and group discussions present opportunities to air problems and solutions across departments and lead to new strategies for overall quality of care alongside employee job satisfaction.
Leadership and mentorship combine communication with confidence and skilled practice. You may not be in a management role today or even think that’s something you want. The skills of mentorship and leadership apply to all kinds of life activities. Where you choose to apply these skills is unique to you. Know you too can make a difference.
What kind of mentor/leader will you be?
Are you a mentor or a mentee? Tell us about the experience.