Experiential Learning (TOP 5 lessons for mentors)3 min read
What's the last course or book that gave you those "aha!" moments in your career?
And do you, like me, love finding valuable resources presented in an accessible way?
We've probably all seen dozens of trainings that have opened our eyes to new perspectives (or at least most of them). In them we've gotten the framework, the theory and the practice, but there's actually another element that can help us hone our skills that we seem to have to get on our own - learning through P-R-E-G-I-V-Y-A-N-E-!
And what is the most direct and secure route to experiential learning?
Mentoring! Yes!
It's that inner "aha!" moment when you're ready to share your experience and knowledge with someone who could use it. In other words, giving back to the community the value you previously received from it.
In this article I will briefly share my mentoring lessons, as they are gained through my participation in two wonderful programs - RANEPA International, the largest entrepreneurship campus in the world, and ABLE Activator, a super practical program for future entrepreneurs (I already bragged on social media that in 4 out of 6 cases my teams won in front of the jury 🤩)
The way of the mentor, lesson 1 - Your menthi is the star of the stage! Yes, I know, you're the specialist, the expert, but the goal now is to help someone shine. It's also a useful ego management exercise (at least it was for me in the beginning).
2 - Get ready for new knowledge! Oh yeah, you'll learn a lot from your mentee! And that's the magic of the process, two perspectives coming together to be useful to each other. From the last ABLE Activator in Varna, for example, I got some great ideas for my debut book on digital marketing.
3 - Be patient! There will be many moments of ups and downs, of amplitudes in motivation and confidence. I have learned that each such moment is precious, for both mentor and mentee, it must be lived in order to create a more effective response in the next situation.
4 - Get out of your comfort zone! Regardless of which area you are an expert in, I recommend trying something new. That way you'll avoid the preconceptions you've already built up through experience, and you'll challenge yourself to learn something interesting.
5 - Set boundaries! While the setting is often informal, remember that this is a project for the two of you, and you should make the best of it. Your time is valuable, so keep your deadlines and promises.
If mentoring has intrigued you, the great news is that there are some great events right now that you can get involved in as a mentor! Here they are!
👉 Mentor The Young - a three-month mentoring programme for young people (18-25 years), the application for mentors is until 9 October.
👉 BASE Programme - business academy for startup entrepreneurs, the commitment for mentors is 6-month and enrollment is until 18 September (this Sunday!).
👉 ABLE Mentor - a programme supporting students to develop their potential. For mentors - until September 30th!
You have a great selection of options, take heart!
