š How to Start Mentoring (and Why You Should)
"If you want to be a mentor, just start mentoring. Don't ask for permission."
Mentoring is one of the most rewarding things you can doāboth personally and professionally. You don't need a certificate, a title, or a LinkedIn badge. What you need is willingness.
What's the Difference Between Mentoring and Coaching?
Mentoring often implies helping someone with less experience across a broad spectrumāskills, confidence, life choices.
Coaching tends to be more structured, targeted, and professional.
But both share the same foundation: empathy, listening, and helping others grow.
"In my experience, mentoring is more about psychology than anything else. You start with skillsābut often end up talking about fears, values, and identity."
Step 1: Just Start
You don't need to be a "guru." You just need to be a few steps ahead. Mentoring opportunities are everywhere:
š At Work
- ā¢ A junior colleague
- ā¢ New team members
- ā¢ Interns or students
š In Your Network
- ā¢ A peer seeking direction
- ā¢ Friends facing decisions
- ā¢ Community members
Offer advice. Listen deeply. Share your story. That's it.
Step 2: Build Trust
A mentoring relationship needs to be nurtured. It grows through:
Mutual Goals
Find shared interests or complementary objectives
Regular Check-ins
Consistent communication builds momentum
Safe Space
Create an environment for vulnerability and honest conversation
Even informal relationships can blossom with intentionality.
Step 3: Mean It
People can tell when you're just "going through the motions." The best mentors truly care. That's what sets them apart.
"Tony Dungy teaches us that the only way to lead is to mean it. That applies doubly to mentoring."
You don't have to know everything. You just have to show up with intention and heart.
āļø Final Thought
Mentoring isn't about being the expert. It's about walking with someoneāsometimes just a few steps aheadāand helping them navigate the path.
If you're thinking about it, here's your permission: start now.
Whether you're helping someone find clarity, shift careers, or simply believe in themselves againāmentoring is a gift that gives in both directions.
Ready to Start Mentoring?
At Minerva Mentoring, we believe everyone has something valuable to share. Whether you're just starting your mentoring journey or looking to make a bigger impact, we're here to support you.
Join our community of mentors and mentees who are committed to growth, learning, and making a difference in each other's lives.
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Nikola
Founder of Minerva Mentoring with a passion for helping professionals reach their full potential through mentorship and community support.