The importance of mentoring
Don’t underestimate the value of your experience; share it with others, especially with those who are just starting out
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for everyone in public safety. Today, I am talking about the important role of mentoring.
Think back to when you were just out of the academy. For many of us, we spent time with a field training officer or senior member of our organization to learn the ropes and our duties.
As time went along, we had less and less direction. And before long, we were on our own.
Many organizations have formal or informal mentoring programs that help new people succeed. But what about after that? Is that when mentoring stops? Hopefully not.
Mentoring can be a great way to supplement basic training. Learning in the context of a relationship is what mentoring is all about. It can help people learn valuable skills more deeply. It works for probationary employees. And for new supervisors and managers too.
You might have five, ten, fifteen, or even twenty years of experience. Or maybe have only one year. No matter what, you have important knowledge. Don’t underestimate the value of your experience. Sharing it with others. Especially with those who just starting out.
We have all made mistakes. Each of them was an opportunity to learn. By sharing your experiences with others, you can help others avoid similar mistakes.
Whether it occurs in a formal or informal setting, mentoring can be one of the most valuable professional relationships we experience.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham, signing off.
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