This time of year Nebraska organizations are bringing awareness to the benefits of mentoring. From National Mentoring Month in January to Nebraska Mentoring Month in February, business leaders are finding value in mentoring to attract and retain employees.
In addition to mentoring on a professional level, local nonprofits recently were awarded nearly $5 million in annual grants, to be used toward the funding of programs to improve reading skills in elementary students.
Lasting Impact
According to MENTOR Nebraska, 74% of adults who were mentored as children said their mentor contributed significantly to their success later in life.
But mentorship isn’t just about guidance, as Susie Owens, director of strategic partnerships at MENTOR Nebraska puts it.
“It’s the cornerstone of employee retention and fosters lasting professional relationships,” she said.
Owens cited a Deloitte survey, whereby millennial employees with mentors were twice as likely to stay with their employer for five-plus years (68% versus 32%).
“Employers that want to attract and retain talent are missing a big opportunity if they don’t tap into the power of mentoring,” she said.
out of foster care. (Courtesy of MENTOR Nebraska)
Approach Matters
Christopher McCroy, executive director of partnering organization, 100 Black Men of Omaha, also cited 2022 research from Julia Freeland Fisher of the Clayton Christensen Institute, which noted how positive and diverse relationships in young lives can “buffer risk, boost academic performance, and ultimately expand professional opportunities.”
He said the biggest developments in mentoring include a “holistic, multi-generational” support angle.
“We acknowledge the importance of family engagement and we work to keep caregivers up-to-date on the progress of mentees; however, we are also working to provide more wrap-around support for the youth we serve and their families by connecting them to support in the community,” McCroy said.
For instance, he highlighted engagement events, “Real Talk with The 100 – Parent’s Edition,” covering education planning, and health and wellness topics.
at Astute Coffee. (Courtesy of MENTOR Nebraska)
Candias (Candi) Jones, executive director of fellow certified partner, Girls Inc. of Omaha, highlighted mentoring’s expansion beyond professional development to emotional health and well-being elements.
“Now, we see more mentees, especially children and young adults, seeking more support in not just addressing their professional skills, but also their personal qualities, values, and overall character,” she said.
Girls Inc. is leaning into this by offering more holistic development within mentor/mentee pairings, encouraging mentors to help mentees think about their sense of purpose and talk openly about their setbacks.
Lisa Buckentine, president of the Junior League of Omaha, highlighted how the organization has seen annual retention rates increase for members participating in its mentorship program – at times as high as 96%.
“During COVID we pivoted our mentor-mentee meetings and now allow for check-ins via Zoom and encourage regular checks-in via phone call and text,” she said. “A mentor-mentee connection does not always have to be done in person.
“Virtual connections can be just as impactful, which lends itself to branching out to those who may not live near you, but would make a difference in your leadership journey.”
Getting Started
MENTOR Nebraska Executive Director Melissa Mayo encouraged would-be mentors to visit the “become a mentor” button at mentornebraska.org to discover mentoring programs nearby.
“You can also advocate for your workplace to implement career mentoring initiatives and flexible scheduling to support mentoring activities,” she said.
Mayo suggested establishing a mentoring culture with workplace programs for new hires, flex-time to engage in youth mentoring, and partnering with MENTOR Nebraska to “provide leadership training that nurtures a mentoring mindset.”
women in the community. (Courtesy of MENTOR Nebraska)
For those interested in mentoring, McCroy said it’s imperative to identify an organization whose mission, vision and values align with their own.
“I recommend getting involved in spaces where there are already shared experiences, shared perspectives and shared goals for the future,” McCroy said.
Jones said mentors can also start from where they are.
“Mentoring is all about sharing your insights and guidance in a field or aspect of life,” she added. “It isn’t about perfection, it is about your heart and willingness to share your knowledge and build a supportive and collaborative relationship.”
mentoring opportunities to high school students
through its MentorU program. (Courtesy of MENTOR Nebraska)
Owens suggested that professionals seeking mentors should intentionally map out opportunities within their network, as “likely someone in your network can serve as a mentor or introduce you to someone who could be a mentor.”
Buckentine recommended reaching out to those inside and outside of one’s network – someone you admire personally or professionally.
“Send that LinkedIn invite, send a direct message to someone you follow,” she said. “You never know who will be open to creating a connection with you.”
Once connected, Buckentine underscored establishing clear expectations for mentor-mentee relationships, formal or informal.
“For example, we set minimum check-in expectations, understand each other’s communication preferences, and ask that members attend events together,” she said.
