Mentoring is for everyone

Author: Adam Rowledge, Member AICR United Kingdom, June 01, 2021

Mentoring is not just a form of support for people starting out in their career but a valuable tool for any business or professional looking to get where they want to go with greater focus and speed.

This sharing of experience, perspective and contacts is so important when it comes to shaping the next generation of industry leaders to fulfil their potential.

It gives them access to resources that will benefit them as they navigate the path to success, as an individual and as part of a team.

It’s of huge benefit to those further along the career path too, offering fantastic opportunities to expand your professional network and gainsupport during challenging phases or transitions.

In an industry that is ever evolving, and innovation is key, the guidance of a mentor can enable you to address new challenges with the wisdom of experience. I’ve been actively involved with various mentoring programmes during the course of my career and have have really enjoyed the experience of supporting my mentees and benefitted greatly from some reverse mentoring.

When I was a General Manager, I found there was at angible benefit to my business too as some focus areas being covered were also ones that my mentee’s hotel had recently gone through, or were going through, so I was able to learn from her experiences and share mine in return.

If you are just about to begin your career or perhaps have just taken on a management role for the first time, then I highly recommend that you find a mentor who is able to support you through this period of your career to give yourself the best possible chance of achieving your potential. I also recommend that my industry peers, who can offer their experience and guidance to those starting out in their careers, give back and provide a much needed and highly valued learning experience to someone by being their mentor. Not only will it make a big difference to your mentee but I’m sure that you will benefit from it too.

I urge all hospitality leaders to ensure that we reach out across the breadth of the country to provide hospitality professionals with access to a mentor who will help shape their future career and provide them with the invaluablebenefit of their experience in our wonderful industry and help to navigate these challenging and uncertain times.

Remember: No one can do it for you, but you can’t do it alone

Mentors of the AICR Section UK are available here: Mentors Team United Kingdom,