Mentoring in 2023 - More Important Than Ever

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A new year, new opportunities and a chance to look at professional objectives. As PushFar has grown, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people across the world. I mentor several young entrepreneurs in the UK, Europe, Asia and Africa and every time I speak to each of my mentees it fills me with excitement, hope and insights which I can’t imagine receiving in any other way. Surprise, surprise, the CEO of mentoring platform PushFar supports mentoring! However, I thought at the start of the new year that I’d write an article all about mentoring in 2023, looking back over the past few years and what we can do this year to make mentoring even more accessible to everyone, everywhere.

A quick reflection on the last three years

It’s fair to say that the last few years haven’t been plain sailing. In the last three years (2020, 2021 and 2022), the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on global health and the economy. Governments around the world implemented measures such as lockdowns and travel restrictions in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. We entered the era of truly remote, global working. That’s starting to shift back in some countries, cultures and organisations. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of healthcare systems and the need for emergency preparedness.

In addition to the pandemic, the last few years have been marked by social and political unrest in various parts of the world. Protests and demonstrations were held in response to issues such as police brutality, racial inequality, and political corruption. Let’s not forget – although I wouldn’t blame you for forgetting because 2020 right now seems a long, long time ago - The United States held presidential elections in 2020, which were marked by controversy, social media-fuelled hate and divisive rhetoric.

2020, 2021 and 2022 have also been years of natural disasters, including heatwaves in Europe, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. These events have highlighted the need for emergency preparedness and the importance of taking action to address climate change. Mentoring is a valuable resource for individuals of all ages, but it is particularly important in today's fast-paced and rapidly changing world. In 2023, mentoring can provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help individuals navigate their careers, personal lives, and professional development.

So, why mentoring?

One of the main benefits of mentoring is that it provides individuals with the opportunity to learn from the experiences and wisdom of others. A mentor is typically someone who has more experience and knowledge in a particular field or area of interest and can provide valuable insights and guidance to their mentee. This can be particularly useful for those who are just starting out in their careers, or those who are looking to make a transition into a new field.

Mentoring can also be a great way to develop new skills and knowledge. A mentor can help their mentee identify areas for improvement and provide support and resources to help them grow and learn. This can be especially important for individuals who are looking to advance in their careers, as it can give them the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their current roles or pursue new opportunities.

In addition to career development, mentoring can also be a valuable resource for personal growth. A mentor can serve as a sounding board, offering guidance and support as their mentee navigates challenges and makes important decisions. This can be especially helpful for those who are seeking to improve their communication skills, build self-confidence, or develop new habits. Mentoring relationships are also beneficial because they can provide a sense of community and connection. Having someone to turn to for guidance and support can be especially important in times of change or uncertainty, and a mentor can provide a sense of stability and accountability. Additionally, the relationships that are formed through mentoring can be long-lasting and meaningful, providing individuals with a network of supportive and experienced individuals who can help them throughout their careers.

Why in 2023?

In 2023, mentoring is more important than ever as the world continues to face unprecedented challenges and changes. The covid pandemic (yes, still relevant today) has had a significant impact on the way we work and interact, and many individuals are seeking guidance and support as they navigate this new normal. Mental health has suffered, countries are struggling with economic challenges and inflation and in the UK there seems to be rolling strikes. Ultimately, there’s a lot that seems uncertain right now. Mentoring can provide the encouragement and resources needed to help individuals thrive in their personal and professional lives.

In addition to the benefits for individuals, mentoring can also have a positive impact on organisations. A strong mentoring program can help to retain top talent and improve employee satisfaction, as individuals feel supported and valued in their roles. It can also help to create a culture of continuous learning and development, as mentees have the opportunity to learn from their mentors and grow within the organisation.

Overall, mentoring is a valuable resource that can provide individuals with guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. In 2023, it is more important than ever as we navigate an uncertain and rapidly changing world. By taking advantage of the benefits of mentoring, individuals can build their skills, knowledge, and networks, and set themselves up for success in their careers and personal lives.

Finding a Mentor or Mentee in 2023

If you’re looking to get involved in mentoring, either as a mentor, mentee or both, then this is where PushFar can help. We have an open network with, now, over 100,000 participants involved and engaged. You can join our fantastic, vibrant and fast-growing, global community. Click here to register. If you’re in learning and development, HR or diversity and inclusion, and interested in finding out more about how PushFar can help you to launch, run and scale mentoring, coaching and sponsorship programs, click here to get in touch and request a demo. Thank you for reading this and here’s to a happy, healthy and successful 2023 – happy mentoring!