Finding mentoring at work

In short: Mentoring is a learning relationship in which an experienced person (mentor) supports a less experienced person in their professional development. It can arise formally through a programme or informally.

In more detail: Studies link good mentoring to faster career development and higher job satisfaction.

In detail

• Formal programmes: Many companies and universities offer structured mentoring programmes.
• Informal mentoring: Often arises organically through contacts in the network or at the workplace (smalltalk-und-networking-tipps).
• Mentee role: Actively ask questions, clarify goals and openly accept feedback.
• Mentor role: Share experiences without presenting your own view as the only correct one.
• Fit matters: Good chemistry between mentor and mentee is more decisive than sheer experience.
• Mutual benefit: Mentors often benefit too, through new perspectives.
• Reverse mentoring: Younger employees pass on, for example, digital skills to older ones, so roles can be reversed.