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10 - ursday, October 19, 2017 - Women In Business - Red Bluff Daily News Finding the right fit is key to successful relationship Mentorships are a time-honored tradi- tion in the workforce. From entry-level recent graduates to mid-career pro- fessionals making a move toward the C-suite, there's an opportunity to take an employee's training and development to the next level through mentor- ship relationships. And the sta- tistics show mentors can have a major impact on not just the mentee's success, but also on the productivity of a business overall. According to the 2016 De- loitte Millennial Survey, younger employ- ees intending to stay with their organi- zation more than five years are twice as likely to have a mentor. And, 71 percent of those likely to leave in the next two years are unhappy with how their leader- ship skills are being developed. So, there's little doubt that a strong cul- ture of mentorship is important for build- ing a productive and engaged workforce. But before you jump headfirst into a mentor relationship with a bright, up-and- coming employee, there are a few con- siderations you should make to ensure the relationship is productive for every- one involved. What can you offer vs. what does your mentee need? First and foremost, is the relationship even a good fit? There's much more to it than simply pairing a senior leader with a younger employee. Before any official relationship is established, there should be discussions about what the mentee's goals are and what the mentor is willing and able to provide. Forcing a poor fit will likely be a waste of time for both parties in the long run. Mentorships are first and foremost a re- lationship. And if either the mentor or the mentee are not getting what they need out of the arrangement, it's best to be open and honest about the situation and to help each other find a better fit. Is the mentee ready to learn? There's a saying that success is where preparation and opportunity meet. Even if you sense potential in a young employee, if they are not prepared to take the next step and make a commitment to a men- torship relationship, you shouldn't try to rush it. Again, this is where communication about what the mentor and mentee ex- pect to gain out of the relationship plays a major role. If a mentor feels their poten- tial mentee is not ready to fully engage in the process, it may be more beneficial to put the plan on hold until they are. What can you learn from the men- tee? Mentorships aren't a one-way street. No matter how experienced a mentor may be, there's always something new to learn—and those lessons may very well come from their mentee. The best relationships are an exchange of knowl- edge where both parties benefit from the experience. A millennial mentee, for example, may be able to teach a baby boomer mentor about the most current trends in social media or other communications technol- ogies. Being blind to rank and open to learning new skills or taking advantage of each other's unique expertise is key to a mutually beneficial relationship. Mentorships take many forms and in the end, it's up to the individuals involved to find the right fit for their development needs. Communication, setting expecta- tions, and a willingness to learn are some of the most important characteristics of any great work relationship, and essential to successfully mentoring the next gener- ation of leaders. Lisa Hansen owns Express Employment Profes- sionals, 243 S. Main St., Red Bluff, 527-0727. MENTORING Lariat Bowl has been my "home" since 1963 when my folks, Gene & Gena Penne, became owners. Dad's enthusiasm for bowling became the basis for our family business which we are proud to share with the Red Bluff community. Our daughter, Cara Shirley creates exciting events for fun seekers of all ages. Cara is ready to book your holiday, company, team or class party, reunion or bowling benefit. Come on in for year round family fun for bowling, miniature golf, pool, arcade, food and adult beverages. Yours for bowling fun Susan McFadyen 365 So. Main, Red Bluff • (530) 527-2720 www.LariatBowl.com 95 Sale Lane, Suite C. Red Bluff, CA 96080 (530) 567-3133 • Fax: (530) 727-9456 • jazeeminee@yahoo.com Like me on Facebook Medicare Supplements • Life Insurance • Prescription Drug Plans Call for an appointment to schedule your FREE consultation

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