In his best-selling book “Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life,” Eric Greitens, a former Rhodes Scholar and Navy SEAL, writes:
“What is the first thing you’d ask for if you sat down in your living room and got a giant bag of jigsaw puzzle pieces on a table in front of you and asked to put all the pieces together?”
“The guesses are you’d want a picture.” You’d want to know how everything fits together. You’d be curious to know what you’re attempting to create. Here’s the thing: Life only gives you bits and pieces. You have to figure out how to connect them.
“Your life doesn’t happen with a picture of how it should appear on a package. You must — you have the right to — pick that image for yourself. And you pick it by looking for a model of a well-lived life. That’s your image.”
And if you haven’t guessed, the model picture stated above is that of a ‘Mentor’.
“My mentor said, ‘Let’s go do it,’ not ‘You go do it.’ How powerful when someone says, ‘Let’s!’”
— Jim Rohn
In the intricate dance of personal and professional growth, the role of a mentor is nothing short of transformational. A mentor doesn’t just offer advice from the sidelines; they roll up their sleeves, dive into the fray, and say, “Let’s go do it.” This shift from the solitary “you” to the inclusive “let’s” encapsulates the essence of collaborative mentorship – a powerful approach that can reshape destinies and drive exceptional outcomes.
When a mentor helps with your jigsaw puzzle, he makes sure that he is using an inclusive approach and walking alongside you to connect the bits and pieces to create the picture that you desire. Collaborative mentorship aligns with established mentoring models to magnify the impact.
Mentoring models are structured frameworks designed to guide and enhance mentor-mentee relationships. These models provide a roadmap for mentors and mentees, outlining specific phases, steps, and strategies to achieve defined goals. They offer a systematic approach to mentorship, ensuring that interactions are purposeful, focused, and productive.
Different mentoring models cater to diverse needs and contexts, allowing mentors and mentees to choose the one that aligns best with their objectives. These models emphasize clarity, goal alignment, efficiency, skill development, and accountability. By following a mentoring model, participants can make the most of their mentorship experience, fostering meaningful growth, skill acquisition, and a strong mentor-mentee relationship.
According to research, having a mentor can benefit both the mentee and the company. According to a CNBC/SurveyMonkey poll, 89% of employees with mentors believe their coworkers value their efforts, compared to 75% of those without mentors. If you’re thinking about mentoring as a strategy to further your career or assist your business develop talent, these figures indicate that it could be a worthwhile investment in terms of engagement, retention, and productivity.
Through the fusion of collaborative mentorship and the established mentoring models, the journey towards growth becomes a shared expedition, where mentor and mentee evolve into an empowered team, united by a common purpose.
Significance Of A Mentoring Model
Mentoring models hold immense importance in guiding effective and meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. These structured frameworks provide a roadmap that mentors and mentees can follow, ensuring that the mentoring process is purposeful, well-defined, and productive. Here are some key reasons highlighting the significance of mentoring models:
Clarity and Direction
Mentoring models offer a clear path to both mentors and mentees. They outline the various phases, steps, and activities that need to be undertaken to achieve specific goals. This clarity helps mentees understand what to expect from the mentorship journey and mentors to have a structured approach.
Goal Alignment
They facilitate alignment between the mentee’s goals and the mentor’s guidance. By systematically identifying goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and evaluating progress, mentoring models ensure that mentorship is focused on achieving the desired outcomes.
Consistency
Having a structured mentoring model ensures consistency in the mentorship process. Regardless of the mentor or mentee involved, the same model can be applied to ensure that every mentoring relationship follows a similar approach, reducing confusion and enhancing the overall experience.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
They streamline the mentoring process, making it more efficient and effective. With predefined steps and strategies, mentors and mentees can make the most of their interactions, making progress toward goals in a systematic manner.
Tailored Approach
They cater to various mentoring needs and contexts. Mentors and mentees can choose a model that aligns with their specific goals, preferences, and developmental areas. This tailoring ensures that the mentorship is customized and relevant.
Skill Development
They emphasize the development of specific skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Mentees can acquire these skills through practical application within the structured framework of the model.
Accountability
They often include mechanisms for tracking progress and evaluating outcomes. This accountability motivates both mentors and mentees to actively participate and make meaningful contributions to the relationship.
Research-Backed
They are grounded in research and best practices. This research-based foundation lends credibility to the model and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes for mentees.
Long-Term Impact
They emphasize sustained growth and development. This focus on long-term impact ensures that mentees not only achieve short-term goals but also build skills and behaviors that will benefit them beyond the mentorship.
Enhanced Relationship
Following a mentoring model can foster a stronger mentor-mentee relationship. The systematic approach encourages open communication, shared problem-solving, and mutual commitment, strengthening the bond between the participants.
A study conducted by Harvard Business Review brought to light the positive effects mentoring can have on the mentors themselves and discovered individuals who served as mentors reported reduced levels of anxiety and described their employment as more meaningful than those who did not mentor.
The DSES Model Of Mentoring
The DSES Model, which stands for Discover/Diagnosis, Solution Frame, Execution, and Sustenance, is a comprehensive mentoring framework designed to facilitate effective mentor-mentee relationships. This model aims to guide both mentors and mentees through a structured process that spans from identifying goals to achieving sustained growth.
1. Discover/Diagnosis
The first phase of the DSES Model involves the discovery and diagnosis of the mentee’s current situation, challenges, and aspirations. In this phase, the mentor actively listens and asks questions to gain a deep understanding of the mentee’s goals and obstacles.
Probing The Key Skills Questions
Key skills questions serve as the compass that orients the mentorship voyage, guiding it toward tailored success and making the mentorship experience truly transformative. It’s in this phase that mentorship transcends a mere exchange of advice, blooming into a partnership built on understanding, trust, and the shared pursuit of excellence.
Empathy enables mentors to relate to mentees’ experiences, making the mentoring journey relatable and encouraging vulnerability. Additionally, adaptability empowers mentors to customize their approaches based on the mentees’ unique circumstances and learning styles.
Why Questions
- Creates activity
Our brains want to find answers so we immediately get to work. - Creates motivation and commitment
An increase in motivation to reach a desired goal and you become more committed. - Creates results and innovation as well as continuous learning
Examples of Powerful Questions
- What do you want to achieve/do?
- What resources or help do you need to get there?
- What can you do to retrieve those resources / ensure you get that help?
- When will you have achieved it?
- What are your intermediate goals/what will be your first step?
Solution-focused Questions
- What do you want to achieve?
- What is going well already?
- Supposed everything went perfectly, what would happen then?
- On a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 is the perfect future, where are you now?
- Good, how come you are that far already?
- What do you need to do to take another small step toward your perfect future?
- Who else would notice?
- How will you feel when you succeed?
- How will you celebrate when you’ve taken your first step?
Problem-oriented Questions
- What is wrong?
- How long has it been this bad?
- What is the root of this problem?
- What other problems do you see as a consequence of the first problem?
- Who’s to blame?
- What personal shortcomings do you see?
- In what way will it be difficult for you to succeed?
This process, akin to a masterful craftsman examining raw material, allows mentors to chisel out a personalized pathway toward growth. Equipped with insights gathered during the probing phase, mentors can then shape the subsequent phases of the mentoring journey, tailoring guidance, strategies, and solutions to align perfectly with the mentee’s needs.
Aryabhata, an esteemed mathematician, and astronomer of the 5th century, recognized Bhaskara 1’s talent and passion for mathematics. He actively listened to Bhaskara’s discussions about his ideas, approaches, and mathematical inquiries, understanding the depth of Bhaskara’s intellectual curiosity.
Asking Relevant Questions: Aryabhata engaged Bhaskara in thought-provoking conversations about mathematical concepts and astronomical phenomena. He might have asked questions like “What areas of mathematics intrigue you the most?” or “How do you plan to approach the challenges posed by planetary motion?” These questions helped Aryabhata understand Bhaskara’s perspectives and areas of focus.
Uncovering Aspirations and Obstacles: Through their discussions, Aryabhata discovered that Bhaskara aspired to unravel the complexities of planetary orbits and mathematical equations governing celestial bodies. He also learned that Bhaskara faced challenges in developing a comprehensive understanding of certain advanced mathematical concepts.
Tailored Guidance: With insights into Bhaskara’s aspirations and obstacles, Aryabhata provided tailored guidance to nurture Bhaskara’s mathematical pursuits. He shared his own experiences in deciphering astronomical mysteries and offered guidance on how to approach complex mathematical problems, fostering Bhaskara’s growth.
Legacy of Mentorship: Aryabhata’s mentorship left a lasting impact on Bhaskara 1’s mathematical legacy. Bhaskara’s subsequent contributions to the field of mathematics and astronomy, including advancements in planetary motion theories, reflected the influence of Aryabhata’s guidance.
2. Solution Framework
Once the mentor has a comprehensive understanding of the mentee’s situation, the Solution Frame phase begins. In this phase, the mentor collaborates with the mentee to formulate a structured plan or framework to address the identified challenges and achieve the mentee’s goals.
Rahul Dravid, a former Indian cricketer known for his technical prowess, mentored young talent Shubman Gill, an emerging batsman in the Indian cricket team.
Collaborative Solution Framing: Recognizing Gill’s potential and eagerness to succeed in international cricket, Dravid, as the coach of the India-A and Under-19 teams, played a momentous role in mentoring him. They collaboratively worked on a Solution Frame to enhance Gill’s skills and prepare him for the challenges of international cricket.
Addressing Challenges: Dravid and Gill identified specific challenges Gill might face while transitioning to the senior national team. These included adjusting to different playing conditions, facing world-class bowlers, and managing the pressure of international cricket. Together, they formulated strategies to address these challenges.
Setting Milestones: Dravid and Gill set specific performance milestones for different formats of the game. They focused on honing Gill’s technique, mental resilience, and adaptability to various playing conditions. These milestones provided a roadmap for Gill’s development as a cricketer.
Outcome: Through the structured plan developed in the Solution Frame phase, Gill gained valuable insights, technical expertise, and mental strength under Dravid’s mentorship. This preparation proved pivotal as Gill made his international debut, showcasing his talent and contributing significantly to the Indian cricket team’s success.
3. Execution
With a solid plan in place, the Execution phase involves putting the Solution Frame into action. Mentors support mentees in taking concrete steps toward their goals, providing guidance, resources, and constructive feedback along the way.
Ratan Tata played a significant role in Chandrasekaran’s career progression within the Tata Group and provided valuable mentorship as Chandrasekaran moved through various leadership positions:
Guidance and Trust: Ratan Tata recognized Chandrasekaran’s leadership potential early on and entrusted him with critical responsibilities. This trust was a fundamental aspect of their mentor-mentee relationship.
Strategic Planning: During Chandrasekaran’s tenure as the CEO of TCS, he worked closely with Ratan Tata to execute TCS’s global expansion and diversification strategies. Tata’s guidance and insights contributed to TCS becoming a global IT services powerhouse.
Transition to Chairman: When Chandrasekaran was appointed as the Chairman of Tata Sons in 2017, succeeding Cyrus Mistry, Ratan Tata’s guidance and mentorship played a role in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of the Tata Group’s strategic direction.
Championing Initiatives: Under Chandrasekaran’s leadership, Tata Group continued to pursue initiatives and investments aligned with Ratan Tata’s long-term vision for the conglomerate. This demonstrated the seamless transition of leadership based on shared values and strategic goals.
Constructive Feedback: Ratan Tata’s mentorship likely included providing constructive feedback and advice to Chandrasekaran as he navigated the complex challenges and opportunities in the business landscape.
4. Sustenance
The final phase ensures that the progress achieved is maintained and built upon. Mentors and mentees work together to develop strategies for continued growth, addressing potential roadblocks and adapting the plan as needed.
The mentorship relationship between Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani extended beyond the initial stages of founding Infosys and continued to influence the company’s trajectory and the Indian IT industry:
Continued Guidance: After stepping down as the CEO of Infosys, Nandan Nilekani remained actively involved in the company and the industry. Narayana Murthy’s guidance and mentorship continued to be a source of insight and wisdom for Nilekani as he navigated complex business challenges.
Strategic Decision-Making: As the co-founders worked together to lead Infosys, their shared values and strategic vision contributed to the company’s growth and global reputation. They developed strategies for sustained growth and expansion, which included maintaining a strong focus on quality and client satisfaction.
Ethical Foundation: Both Murthy and Nilekani emphasized the importance of ethical business practices and integrity. Their mentorship underscored the significance of maintaining these values as the company expanded and faced various challenges.
Industry Influence: Murthy and Nilekani’s collaboration extended beyond Infosys to influence the broader Indian IT industry. Their joint efforts helped establish a foundation for best practices and quality standards in the sector.
In the vast expanse of mentorship, mentoring models emerge as the compass that guides both mentors and mentees toward their desired destinations. These blueprints provide a sense of direction, enabling effective goal-setting, proactive problem-solving, and continuous progress.
So, the next time you embark on a mentorship journey, remember that behind the curtain of every meaningful interaction lies a mentoring model – a roadmap that empowers growth, enriches experiences, and propels you toward excellence.
Mentoring models nestled with the phase of probing represent a pivotal juncture where mentor and mentee engage in meaningful dialogue, probing deeper into the mentee’s skills, strengths, challenges, and ambitions. By asking incisive questions and delving into the mentee’s individual landscape, mentors gain a comprehensive understanding of the mentee’s unique journey.
As the professional landscape evolves, mentoring models stand as beacons of guidance for aspiring individuals seeking to unlock their true potential. The DSES Model exemplifies the power of structured mentoring, providing mentees with personalized support and a clear path towards success.
It illuminates the multifaceted role of mentors – from providing clear direction and sharing wisdom to fostering empowerment and supporting growth. By adopting these methodologies and embracing the essential skills of active listening, empathy, and adaptability, mentors can inspire transformational growth in their mentees, creating a ripple effect of success across industries and generations.
https://trafft.com/mentoring-models/
https://medium.com/an-idea/a-comprehensive-mentoring-framework-90071b596af7
https://www.togetherplatform.com/blog/mentoring-framework
https://www.mentorcliq.com/blog/mentoring-stats
https://indianexpress.com/article/research/mahatma-gandhi-mentor-leaders-nehru-patel-jp-8185235/
Written By: Jimmy Jain
Edited By: Afreen Fatima
Society of Design Thinking Professionals
