Why would you want to be a mentor? Become a better leader Learning how to work with people with whom you don’t have a natural connection, demonstrating patience with those in need of guidance and support, helping people figure out the best path forward: all trademarks of a great leader AND skills honed through mentoring.

1. Shape the leaders of tomorrow: Most of us long for a legacy, some stake in the future that says, I was here. What better legacy than to be a part of shaping tomorrows leaders?
2. Gain new perspectives and fresh ideas: Mentoring is a unique opportunity to step outside of your normal circle of friends and social medias echo chamber to gain an intimate understanding of how the world looks through someone else eyes. New perspectives lead to fresh ideas, and who knows where fresh ideas could lead you?
3. Put your finger on the pulse of a younger generation: Usually (although not always) mentors end up working with younger mentees, sometimes much younger. Different generations think and act differently. If you are to be an effective leader, you need to have an understanding of how younger generations see things, and where they can make a difference to the organization. The intimacy of a mentoring relationship offers a unique insight into these generational differences.
4. Change someones world: Do you remember a teacher, a coach or a former boss who said or did something that changed the trajectory of your life? This is your chance to do that for someone else. Not every mentoring partnership is life changing but we see enough of it to know that every mentor has the potential to instigate surprising change.
5. Exercise emotional intelligence: Working one-on-one with a mentee requires you to sharpen your emotional radar. You will be called upon to gauge the emotional state of the other person and respond with empathy. Not only is emotional intelligence a key differentiator for career advancement, it can also improve your relationships outside the office.
6. Strengthen the lessons you’ve already learned: There is no better way to embed knowledge than through teaching. You’ve learned the hard way how to hire the right person, raise prices or negotiate a tough contract. By passing this knowledge on to a novice, you clarify and embed those lessons within yourself.
7. Improve productivity: Sharing your insights, learning and networks with younger colleagues helps to grease the organizational wheel. Stepping up the pace and increasing productivity helps everyone within the organization including you.
8. Feel good about yourself: Tell yourself all you want that you’re doing it for your resume, but we guarantee you that once you become a mentor the feel good factor will take hold. There is little more rewarding then knowing you are making a difference to someone else’s life.