When do mentors make the most impact?
- Rose Ung
- Sep 6, 2025
- 3 min read
A few weeks ago, I decided to conduct a poll to dive into the valuable lessons people have learned from their experiences with great mentors. I was genuinely curious about what insights others had to share. The responses I received were not only enlightening but also made me reflect on my own journey.
To my surprise, 60% of participants mentioned that one of the key roles of a mentor is to help them normalise uncertainty in their lives. It struck me how many of us grapple with challenges and doubts while navigating our personal and professional paths. Mentors truly play a crucial role in guiding us through these turbulent waters. By sharing their own experiences and strategies for dealing with ambiguity, they instill a sense of confidence and resilience in us. They encourage us to embrace the unknown rather than shy away from it, and that’s such a powerful lesson.
Additionally, 20% of the respondents highlighted another vital aspect of mentorship, mentors helping individuals find their purpose and embrace their uniqueness. I find this especially important in today’s fast-paced and often competitive environment, where it can be tough to pinpoint our true passions and strengths.
Mentors can provide invaluable guidance, helping us explore our interests, reflect on our values, and recognise what makes us distinct. This process not only aids in personal development but also fosters a sense of belonging and authenticity. It empowers us to pursue paths that truly resonate with who we are.
How can a mentor help you normalise change?
In my experience, my mentors play a pivotal role in normalising change by listening and providing guidance, support, and a wealth of knowledge gained from their own experiences.
Sometimes I wonder, what haven't they seen?
What is new and uncomfortable to me, is often a natural and necessary part of growth, whether it involves adapting to new roles, embracing new technologies, or shifting perspectives in response to evolving circumstances.
The safe space created in the relationship allows me to express my fears, uncertainties, and questions. By actively listening and providing thoughtful feedback, mentors can help demystify the change process, making it less intimidating and more manageable. They can share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with change, showing through lived examples that challenges can lead to valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
What the wider stats tell us about mentoring
While 76% of individuals believe mentors are important, just 37% actually have one.
Individuals who have mentors experience greater job satisfaction compared to those who do not have mentors
Just 14% of mentorships began with a direct request for mentorship, while 61% evolved organically
The majority of individuals prefer mentors of the same gender (69% of women, 82% of men)
87% of mentors and mentees experience empowerment and increased confidence through their mentoring relationships.
According to Women Ahead, 82% of people think that mentoring relationships promote significant connections between mentors and mentees, spanning various departments and the entire organisation.
According to Women Ahead, 84% reported that mentoring relationships provide mutual inspiration for both the mentor and the mentee
Individuals who acted as mentors reported experiencing less anxiety and found their work to be more meaningful compared to those who did not engage in mentoring.
Mentors discovered that mentoring increased the significance of their work
A significant 97% of individuals with a mentor find the experience beneficial.
Why does it matter to me?
For me, mentoring represents an opportunity to gain knowledge from someone with experience, to learn from their successes and failures, and to receive constructive feedback that can enhance my skills and confidence.
Additionally, mentoring creates a space for open dialogue, where I can discuss my aspirations, challenges, and goals with someone who has walked a similar path. This relationship can help me identify my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to make informed decisions about my career trajectory.
Having a mentor can expand my professional network, introducing me to new opportunities and connections that I might not have encountered on my own. The insights gained through mentoring can also help me develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of my field, which is essential in today's rapidly changing work environment.
Why mentoring matters to the Quiet Leadership Lab
Jana Kinsey's TED talk serves as an excellent example of how mentoring can transform lives. This is significant to me because I believe that everything we do can positively contribute to making the world a better place.
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