As we journey along our payroll or HR career path we are encouraged to find a mentor – someone to be both a “consigliere” and advisor. This seasoned individual is someone who has been through many of the challenges younger HR and payroll professionals find themselves faced with. Don’t forget to consider how much a younger mentee can teach an HR professional some new tricks. Whether you would be the mentor or mentee, there’s lot to gain in a professional mentoring relationship for both parties. Mentors can learn about new trends, technology, etc. while they assist with the valuable advice commonly associated with mentorship. And while they are at it, mentors can help mentees careers soar.
A mentorship is not a boss-employee relationship – so what is it? How do you find a mentor (or mentee) that will be professionally and personally rewarding? Consider the types of mentorships.
Assistance from Seniority
Whether the HR professional is twenty years older or one year younger than you, find someone who has succeeded in the role you are in now. Most professionals benefit from the guidance provided by a leader who has “been there, done that.”
Look for someone you admire or who inspire you. You may find one down the hall or in a professional organization.
Experts
If you’re starting your own business or struggling with working from home, find someone in your life who can help guide you through these challenges after succeeding themselves. There’s no shame in your challenge to write a business plan or stay on task at home, make yourself vulnerable with a mentor and see success follow.
Peer Partner
Find a friend or associate who has successfully navigated where you are now. Lean on their expertise to help yourself ramp up and get to speed quickly. Often peer mentors can help if you happen to be looking for a new payroll or HR position. Find someone who made an HR job change successfully and get some much-needed assistance!
Always Be Growing
Look beyond a typical one-on-one relationship to receive (indirect) wisdom. Immerse yourself in books and materials that align with your career, industry, and personal; goals.
Procure a Protégé́
Open yourself up to mentees and you’ll see both personal and professional rewards. Mentorships are a great way to gain “management” experience before you have an actual management job. Look for opportunities to mentor your organization’s newer hires and you’re sure to learn a thing or two from your mentees. This gives the added bonus of engaging new hires, creating an environment they’re less likely to want to leave. Just make sure you’re mentoring and not managing.
Mentorship relationships are not handed to you – they won’t happen unless you pursue them. Don’t be afraid to approach someone, strike up a conversation, and see if this can develop into a long, lasting, and meaningful mentorship.
