Mentoring: Helping Others Achieve Their Dreams

 

By Irma Henderson, CAPP

January is National Mentoring Month!

Established in 2002, it is a campaign recognized yearly by the President and administration, dedicated to recognizing mentoring and the impact it can have on people’s lives. It is a time to celebrate the power of mentoring and encourage others to explore how mentoring programs can enable organizations to create more productive, engaged, and satisfied people.

There are many different types of mentorship programs, but they all share some common goals.  Whether it’s developing employees, supporting young people, or inspiring and preparing college students, mentoring enables people to unleash their full potential by learning from others.

Mentorship programs typically aim to help mentees by developing their skills and knowledge, connecting with new networks, and promoting diversity and inclusion.  For mentors, mentorship programs engage them to practice core leadership and management skills such as seeing the world from a different perspective, becoming a better listener, learning to ask better questions, and mastering the art of delivering feedback.

Take some time this month to explore mentorship programs in your area, or create one of your own!

Irma Henderson, CAPP, is Director of Transportation for the University of California, Riverside, a member of the IPMI Board of Directors, and the 2024 IPMI Awards of Excellence Chair.  She can be reached at irma.henderson@ucr.edu.