Here at the Martin James Network, we take the development of our future leaders very seriously. This is why we are rolling out a mentoring program during January 2021 as part of National Mentoring Month to help our future leaders learn and grow. In line with our diversity charter, this mentoring is initially aimed at employees from the BAME and LGBT communities who will be guided by our leaders across the Network over the next 12 months.

Why we believe in mentoring

We believe that mentoring can be mutually beneficial, to the mentee, the mentor and the Martin James Network as a whole. We know that our leaders have a wealth of experience to share; they have skills that can support, encourage, inspire, empower and motivate. A mentoring program gives the opportunity to share these skills with a less experienced employee. Mentoring enables the mentee to grow and progress in a range of skills, such as leadership and developing confidence.

If the experience and skills are already within the business, then it makes sense to share and let others learn from them!

What individuals gain from mentoring

Having a mentor can help a person reach their potential. Often a person has the right abilities, they just need the right person to share their experiences, show them how to develop their abilities and how to focus their talents. With the support of a mentor people can significantly build confidence in their professional life.

Being a mentor is equally as rewarding as you watch a person grow and develop, guide them through putting their new abilities and skills in to practice. It can also aid the mentor’s own communication skills, reinforce and remind themselves of their own skillset and knowledge, and recognise areas for development in themselves.

There can be a huge sense of fulfilment and personal growth for the mentee and mentor.

At the Martin James Network we are confident that mentoring is a great way to develop our people and with it being National Mentoring Month, now feels the perfect time to start this.