Use the power of mentoring
Every one of us should make the effort to mentor a young person, writes Elly Hoult
We are all aware of the benefits of mentoring children and young people, when we hear the powerful stories of people’s lives that were changed by a caring parent, teacher or sport coach.
These stories are universal, but we often forget to apply the same approach in the workplace.
Establishing a mentoring relationship with a young person not only helps the mentee in their personal development, but also helps to break down the barriers and misconceptions which so often befall generations.
I have made use of mentors during my career.
They have not only helped me with more practical tasks such as writing a good presentation, but more nuanced support, challenging me to reflect on my own thought processes, values, beliefs and unconscious bias.
Mentoring is powerful.
“Mentoring can help individuals gain personal insight, develop self esteem and operate more effectively and confidently.”
If used effectively, it can be a safe place to share feelings and thoughts and reflect on workplace behaviours – the conversations one cannot have at work.
Mentoring can help individuals gain personal insight, develop self esteem and operate more effectively and confidently in the workplace.
I currently mentor two individuals in different sector schemes. One is via the Chartered Institute of Housing’s mentoring programme, which is free to all members and provides access to a range of incredible housing professionals at all levels.
The second is the Future of London mentoring scheme, as part of its leadership programme.
This scheme offers relationships for mentees from its prestigious list of mentors across London.
My final point is that mentoring does not always have to be formal. I am regularly approached by individuals for advice and ideas, and I go to others when I need support.
“Mentoring does not always have to be formal.”
I believe we all have a duty to help others, particularly young people, as others have helped us during our careers.
Every one of us should make the effort to mentor a young person. Ultimately, it will ensure a continuation of strong leadership and the future of our sector.
Elly Hoult, business improvement director, Notting Hill Housing; and CIH Futures board member
CIH Careers Week
What is CIH Careers Week?
- CIH Careers Week (#CIHCareersweek) is running all this week (5-9 March).
- This coincides with National Careers Week #NCW2018 which promotes careers guidance for young people
- Inside Housing will be running a series of pieces throughout the week about housing careers, from both junior and senior sector staff
- CIH Futures - a board of 15 CIH members under 40 - also has lots of activity planned
- It will be encouraging CIH members to use a #careerpledge template to pledge action to promote careers
- Follow the hashtag #CIHCareersweek to keep up to speed with the week's events, which include CIH Futures webinars and a live Q&A on Wednesday
Careers Week articles:
What are you doing to make a career in housing attractive? Faisal Butt challenges the sector on what its doing to attract and retain talent
Promoting housing careers beyond the sector's echo chamber We all have a role to play in making a career in housing more appealing, writes Adam Clark
Use the power of mentoring Why everybody in the sector should mentor a young person, by Elly Hoult
The apprenticeship game To mark the Chartered Institute of Housing’s #CIHCareersWeek, we are republish a piece looking at apprenticeships in the sector
Your #CIHCareersWeek videos Housing’s best and brightest have made Twitter videos this week to answer the question: why housing? Watch a selection of them below
