Mentorship doesn’t require perfection; it requires a desire to help others become successful, explains Executive Assistant Shana Christensen
When I began my career as an administrative professional, I had no idea what the responsibilities would be. I had no education or real experience. I knew Excel and Outlook from my previous employment but nothing about being an Administrative Assistant. As an introvert, I was nervous and wondering how in the world I was going to survive. I felt like a ship lost at sea.
On my first day, I was greeted by two of the kindest women, who would become my mentors and my lighthouse. They saved my career and my confidence. They were patient and kind; they gave positive feedback as well as those things I needed to work on. They celebrated my wins and made me feel part of a team. I would not be where I am today without their guidance. As I progressed and developed the skills necessary, I wanted to make sure that every new Assistant I worked with would have the same experience, that there was a lighthouse they could look to, someone to answer questions, provide feedback, and guide them through difficult situations until they felt safe and capable.
What Is a Mentor?
What is a mentor and what does a mentor do? How can a busy, introverted Executive Assistant become one? A mentor is someone who assists others in navigating their careers, providing support and guidance to help them grow in ways that benefit both the organization and themselves.
As administrative professionals, we are often the quiet force behind our executives, working diligently and strategically to build success. But achieving excellence requires a clear roadmap of what needs to be done and how to do it. A good mentor will provide the guidance and encouragement for new or struggling Assistants, helping them avoid unnecessary setbacks and find their strengths.
Why Mentorship Matters
Can being a mentor really make a difference? The answer is a resounding yes! Becoming a mentor can make a difference not only in your organization but for your own career as well. Mentoring can help mentees build confidence and feel valued, and it provides them with the knowledge and expectations they need to perform at their very best. Mentoring can also create opportunities for growth and career progression. Executives are often reassured and willing to support your advancement because they feel comfortable with the person you have prepared to take your place. As you help others, you will naturally learn more about yourself and the skills you can improve.
Why Executive Assistants Make Great Mentors
Executive Assistants are in the best position to be effective mentors. Here are a few ideas on the skills you already have that you can use:
Practical Experience: You work closely with senior leaders, gaining insights into decision-making, processes, strategic planning, and the overall dynamics of the organization. You can leverage this knowledge to help others build the skills they need to succeed.
Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills: You are adept at building relationships, managing communication, and facilitating collaboration, which is crucial for effective mentorship. These skills allow you to not only share your knowledge, but truly understand and adapt to the needs of each mentee. By building trust and connection, you can create a safe environment where others feel supported and are willing to take risks.
Problem-Solving Abilities: You often face and resolve many challenges, developing strong problem-solving skills that can be shared with mentees.
Career Guidance: Through your experience, you can provide valuable advice on professional development, including networking, building visibility, and advancing within the administrative profession.
Support and Encouragement: You can offer a supportive and encouraging environment where mentees can build confidence and navigate career challenges. You can help your mentees discover hidden strengths and, in return, you may possibly gain a subject matter expert.
Skills Gained Through Mentoring
Mentoring not only benefits others but also strengthens your own skills, such as active listening, compassion, kindness, communication, empathy, trustworthiness, curiosity, continuous learning, problem-solving, patience, and flexibility, and it provides leadership opportunities. Mentoring teaches you how to recognize and spotlight the accomplishments of others, which is a valuable leadership skill.
Common Mistakes Mentors Make
While mentoring can be rewarding, it is not without its pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Doing too much for your mentees instead of teaching
- Talking more than listening
- Imposing the career path you want for them rather than supporting theirs
- Not being trustworthy
- Being inconsistent or unavailable
- Avoiding difficult but necessary conversations
- Not setting boundaries
- Failing to communicate expectations
- Not asking for feedback and areas of improvement
Why Some Hesitate to Mentor
But what if you think being a mentor sounds overwhelming? Here are some reasons you might shy away from becoming a mentor:
- Fear of failure, overstepping boundaries
- Worry that mentees will replace you or do better than you
- Feelings of competition
- Time constraints
- Leadership does not support mentorships
- Not feeling good enough to mentor
- You have never been mentored and have no role models
- There is a lack of recognition
Mentorship doesn’t require perfection; it requires a desire to help others become successful. You don’t have to have all of the answers. Just be willing to share your experiences and listen.
Be the Lighthouse
I love lighthouses. They are constructed differently and are used in so many different locations, but they all provide the same basic need: to guide ships safely through unfamiliar waters and difficult situations. Just like those wonderful women who mentored me through a difficult time in my career, you also can be a lighthouse to those Assistants within your reach, helping them to feel safe, valued, and heard as they grow into amazing professionals.
We are all on this journey together, and you just might be the lighthouse that someone who is feeling lost at sea needs. So, take that first step today – reach out, offer encouragement, and let them know they are not alone. You will not only change their career, but you just might transform your own.
