Consulting Tip #09: Leverage Mentoring – It’s a Two-Way Street 🚀
Last year, I took on my first official mentoring role in a formal program at my workplace. One of our mentoring sessions even took place on a plane, piloted by me—proof that great conversations can happen anywhere, whether you’re 10,000 feet in the air or in a quiet corner of the office.
At its core, mentoring is a structured relationship where a more experienced professional (the mentor) supports and guides someone who’s newer to a field or seeking growth (the mentee). But beyond that simple definition, mentoring is a powerful tool for learning, sharing ideas, and creating new insights, together.
This year, I’m lucky to have two mentees. And every time we talk, I’m reminded of just how valuable mentoring can be—for them, certainly, but equally for me.
Here’s why:
✅ For the mentee: Mentoring provides a safe, judgment-free space to ask questions, voice doubts, and get practical advice from someone who’s been there. It’s a shortcut to insights that might otherwise take years to gather.
✅ For me: It’s an opportunity to reflect, see familiar challenges from fresh perspectives, and sharpen my own thinking. Every mentoring conversation is a reminder that consulting isn’t just about knowing the answers—it’s about sharing them, and learning in the process.
Where to Find a Mentor (or Become One!)
If you’re looking for a mentor, start close to home:
Your team: There’s probably someone you admire already. Don’t be shy—ask them for 30 minutes to share their insights.
Internal programs: Many firms have formal or informal mentoring initiatives—talk to HR or your manager to find out what’s available.
Professional networks: LinkedIn groups, alumni circles, or local meetups are great ways to connect with people who are open to sharing.
And if you’re already mentoring someone? Keep showing up. Keep asking questions. Keep creating the space for real conversations—it’s in these authentic exchanges that the magic of mentoring happens.
How to Get the Most Out of Mentoring
Here are a few simple practices that have made mentoring truly rewarding for me and those I work with:
Set Clear Goals: Before each session, take a moment to think about what you want to explore. Is it career advice? A tricky project you’re tackling? Or maybe you’re just looking to bounce around ideas? Even a loose goal can steer the conversation in a more meaningful direction.
Prepare—Even Just a Little: You don’t need to show up with a perfect plan, but having a few notes or questions can transform a casual chat into a focused, valuable exchange. It’s a sign of respect for both your time and the other person’s.
Try Simple Frameworks: I often lean on classic tools like SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to guide the conversation. Another favorite: “What energizes you? What drains you?” These simple prompts can open doors to unexpected insights and deeper conversations.
Make It a Dialogue: The best mentoring relationships are never one-way. As a mentee, remember that you bring unique perspectives, challenges, and ideas to the table—embrace that. And as a mentor, stay open to learning just as much as you share. It’s this two-way exchange that makes mentoring so powerful.
💡 Pro Tip: Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, show up curious and open. You’ll be amazed by how much you can learn from each other—and how much more confident and capable you’ll feel along the way.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Mentoring is a two-way street that benefits both sides. Preparation and clear goals make conversations richer, while even simple tools like SWOT or energy-drain prompts can unlock real insights. And above all, true mentoring is about listening and sharing, not just giving advice.
Thanks for reading! Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep making mentoring a cornerstone of our consulting careers.
👉 Have you had a great mentoring experience recently? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how you’re weaving mentoring into your own journey!
See you next time,
Eetu Niemi
IT Consulting Career Hub