Concept And Meaning Of Mentoring
Mentoring is a process whereby more experienced managers actively guide less experienced managers. The mentor provides guidance through direction, advice, criticism, and suggestions. This wisdom and guidance helps the less experienced manager to obtain necessary skills and socialization for job performance and career progress. The learner learns and develops potential as he goes along with mentoring to solve managerial problems. The mentor grooms him to assume higher responsibilities in future. The mentor is like a "guru". If mentoring is done by the immediate supervisor, it is known as coaching. Reverse mentoring happens where senior managers are mentored by younger managers about technology matters, especially information technology advances.
Advantages Of Mentoring
1. The learner has opportunities to interact with experienced managers to improve performance. He gains confidence and self-awareness.
2. There is rapid feedback of action on performance improvement to the learner.
3. Learner is self-motivated to learn with confidence.
4. It is not limited to performance-related problems. It focuses on future growth.
Disadvantages Of Mentoring
1. Heavy reliance is placed on the wisdom and abilities of the mentor. This may limit the scope for development.
2. Current management styles and practices are focused.
3. The senior managers may be unwilling for mentoring.