The Michigan ATHENA program, a women’s leadership organization housed within the MI Chamber, yesterday heard incredible insight, perspectives and experiences from four dynamic women across different industries on various aspects of mentorship as well as how to navigate a mentor-mentee relationship. Adeptly moderated by Carol Cain, producer and host of Michigan Matters, participants were able to connect with Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital International Regional Airport/Capital Region Airport Authority; Kelsey Dame, associate attorney at the Warner, Norcross + Judd law firm; as well as Tracy Winston, area director of government affairs and communications for Waste Management.
In case you missed it or are exploring mentorship opportunities and programming for you and your business, here are five top takeaways from the event:
- What is the point of mentorship? We often hear about the importance of mentorship from the businesses we work for or the people within our networks and communities, but what value does having a mentor bring into your life? Take a close look at your goals. Are you struggling with a professional scenario such as navigating a difficult relationship in the workplace? Or are you wanting to develop your leadership skills or better understand how successful women create a realistic work-life balance? Mentors are great resources to help as well as explain the good, the bad and the ugly while bouncing around ideas and next steps!
- Is a casual or formal mentorship better? Trick question! There is no “correct” way to navigate a mentor-mentee relationship. As a mentee, take the time to think about what you’re looking for and get to know a few different individuals and — like before — evaluate your desired end goal. A formal, structured mentorship might be most helpful leading up to a big ask or working deliberatively to improve your leadership skills, whereas a casual, organic mentorship might help you navigate successes and setbacks in and out of the workplace.
- Set expectations. Women supporting women is incredibly necessary to both a business’ development as well as personal growth. However, mentors and mentees must be realistic about their time and availability. Commitment is vital to the two-way success of the relationship.
- Honesty is key. In a mentor, finding someone who can help you develop into a better professional requires candor and respectful feedback. Although sometimes difficult to hear, constructive criticism is critical to becoming a well-balanced, well-rounded individual both in and out of the workplace, so be open to new opinions, new ideas and new ways of thinking. And on the other hand, make sure your mentor has agreed to provide these frank critiques, which might require outreaching to potential mentors you had not thought of previously.
- Mentorship matters. It is an opportunity for both the mentee and mentor to grow and evolve. This is a mutually-beneficial relationship as both parties are able to listen and learn new perspectives. Get excited to gain knowledge and share your experiences with an interested party who cares about your future success.
Save the date for our next free event – slated virtually for Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9-10 a.m. as we explore “The Business of Human Performance: Having Your Mental State Right at Work and Home.”
If you have any questions or ideas for future programming or speakers, please reach out to Leah Robinson, director of legislative affairs and leadership programming at lrobinson@michamber.com.