The late N. Eldon Tanner said, "Service is the rent we pay for living in this world of ours."
I value mentoring relationships as one of the most important things I can do with my business skills. It seems like the more work experience I gain, the more I find myself in a mentor role. I generally expect the mentee to initiate the relationship, but we both have the responsibility to sustain it. However, as a mentor, I can assist in initiating the relationship by being approachable and developing a reputation as someone willing to listen to subordinates and others. There are obvious pitfalls if you give your time away too freely, but we need to recognize our responsibility to help others develop.
As a mentor, my role is to first understand what the mentee wants to gain from the relationship. Then, with that clearly understood, I try to fulfill the mentee’s expectations using my observations and experiences. When sharing my observations and experiences, I focus on having a dialogue with the mentee as opposed to a lecture. He or she often has experiences that can be shared to illustrate the points I am trying to make as the mentor.
Mentoring relationships can be short or long, but if the mentor genuinely cares for the mentee, the relationship can be meaningful.
Richard B. Hutchins, San Francisco
MAcc ’84
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NORMALLY THIS QUESTION WOULD BE ANSWERED WITH ADVICE ON HOW SOMEONE IN THE WORKPLACE COULD START AND DEVELOP A MENTORING RELATIONSHIP. But instead, I will put in a shameless plug for anyone already successful in the workplace to be a mentor, specifically to BYU students. I have been a Marriott School mentor for many years. And, while it’s not necessarily a “splashy” means for alumni to give back to their alma mater, it’s nonetheless an effective way to make a real difference in the lives of students entering an ever-uncertain business world.
Too often we remember our experience at BYU or elsewhere and apply that to what we think students are facing today. However, it’s different for them, not only in finding employment but also in obtaining valid career guidance. While they are more knowledgeable about today’s business world, the business world has become much more complex and challenging. An effective mentor can give the guidance and wisdom needed from a real-world perspective that a student may not be able to obtain otherwise.
There is a time commitment involved, but don’t let that deter you from providing this significant input into the life of a young man or woman. You will soon forget the time aspects of mentoring as you begin to see the benefits this service brings to the student and to you. I invite you to see for yourself—go to marriottschool.byu.edu/mentor/volunteer and volunteer for a truly great experience.
Patrick “Ed” Lamb, Santa Clarita, California
MAcc ’84
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MANY MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP NATURALLY, BUT OFTEN IT TAKES A SPECIAL EFFORT ON THE MENTEE’S PART TO IDENTIFY A MENTOR, ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP, AND SUSTAIN THAT RELATIONSHIP. One approach to initiating a mentor relationship is identifying commonalities you share with the mentor—hometown, alma mater, children, or sports. Ask peers what they know about your potential mentor. Notice displayed items in his or her office. Use this information in your initial contact and express your interest in meeting with him or her to learn more about the company.
As you develop this relationship, your mentor generally will be eager to tell you about the company; however, always respect your mentor’s time. Lunch is generally a good time to meet.
While you don’t need to take all of your mentor’s advice and suggestions, you should at least act on some and share your successes so your mentor knows he or she is effectively helping you.
Mark E. Peterson, Phoenix
MBA ’81
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FOR STUDENTS SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MENTORS, I SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING. It’s important to understand that prospective mentors will most likely desire to help you. In fact, they will probably be flattered. Remember as you seek successful professionals that they are usually quite busy.
Approach your potential mentor in a straightforward way, and ask for his or her help. Express your admiration and desire to be mentored. Be clear that you don’t intend to take a lot of time, but that you want to learn the things that have made him or her so successful. Lunch is a good time, since people have to eat. Set up a periodic schedule—say quarterly—and stick to it.
Dean Andersen, Salt Lake City
BS ’85
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Alumni Exchange: A forum for alumni to share ideas about challenges facing Marriott School graduates