When I first assumed a leadership position at the age of 21 in 1993, I was overwhelmed by the immense responsibility. The pressure to make sound decisions, lead a team effectively, and drive business growth was daunting. Like many leaders, I initially believed I had to face these challenges alone, learning through trial and error. It wasn’t until I connected with a Greater Manchester business mentor for leaders that I realised leadership doesn’t have to be a solitary journey.
Mentorship is often described as a ‘shortcut to wisdom’—a way to gain insights, avoid costly mistakes, and accelerate personal and professional growth. A mentor can be transformative for leaders, whether in the corporate world or the not-for-profit sector. Here’s why.
The Challenges Leaders Face (and How Business Mentorship Helps)
Leaders, regardless of industry, encounter common challenges:
- Decision Fatigue: Leaders make countless strategic, operational, and people-related decisions daily, which can lead to fatigue and hesitation. A mentor provides clarity, helps refine decision-making processes, and boosts confidence.
- Leadership Loneliness: Leadership can be isolating. You can’t discuss issues with your team, and sometimes, even your peers don’t fully understand the pressures you face. A business mentor acts as a sounding board, offering guidance and reassurance.
- Lack of Perspective: Being immersed in day-to-day operations makes it hard to see the bigger picture. A mentor, with their experience and external viewpoint, helps you step back and assess challenges with fresh eyes.
- Personal and Professional Growth: The best leaders are always learning. A mentor helps tackle immediate issues and aids in skill development, challenges your thinking, and pushes you towards continuous improvement.
What I Learned from My Business Mentor for Leaders
Engaging with a mentor transformed my approach to leadership. Here are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned:
- The Importance of Self-Awareness: My mentor encouraged me to conduct an honest self-assessment. Understanding my strengths, struggles, and reactions under pressure allowed me to lead more effectively and make informed decisions.
- Leadership is About Influence, Not Authority: Many first-time leaders equate authority with leadership. My mentor helped me understand that true leadership is about influence—guiding and inspiring people towards a shared vision, rather than merely instructing them.
- The Power of Asking the Right Questions: My mentor often said, “Great leaders don’t have all the answers; they know how to ask the right questions.” I learned to ask better questions of my team, stakeholders, and myself, rather than feeling pressured to solve every problem immediately.
- Resilience is Built, Not Born: Every leader faces setbacks. Whether it’s a failed project, a difficult team dynamic, or an unexpected market shift, resilience is key. My mentor shared their experiences of failure and recovery, reinforcing that setbacks are stepping stones to growth.
Mentorship for Not-for-Profit Leaders
While the corporate world benefits greatly from mentoring, not-for-profit leaders need it just as much, if not more. Running a mission-driven organisation comes with unique challenges—balancing financial sustainability with impact, managing stakeholder expectations, and navigating funding constraints. A business mentor who has walked this path can provide invaluable guidance.
I’ve seen firsthand how mentoring has helped not-for-profit executives build stronger strategies, avoid burnout, and increase their organisation’s impact. If you’re leading in this space, mentorship isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
How to Find the Right Mentor
Finding the right mentor isn’t about choosing the most senior person available—it’s about finding someone whose experience, approach, and values align with your growth needs. Here are some steps to get started:
- Identify Your Goals: Determine what you hope to gain from a mentor. Are you looking for industry-specific advice, leadership coaching, or personal development support?
- Look Beyond Your Immediate Network: Sometimes the best mentors come from outside your organisation or even your industry. A fresh perspective can be invaluable.
- Approach with a Clear Ask: When reaching out to a potential mentor, be clear about what you’re looking for. A specific request like “I admire your approach to leadership, and I’d love to learn how you handle strategic decision-making. Would you be open to a short conversation?” is more effective than a vague request.
- Be Committed and Open-Minded: Mentorship is a two-way relationship. Be prepared to act on guidance given and approach each session with an open mind and willingness to grow.
The Ripple Effect: Becoming a Mentor Yourself
One of the greatest gifts of mentorship is the ability to pay it forward. After benefiting from mentorship, I started mentoring others in 2008, (Read more about Carl Bradshaw) and the experience has been just as rewarding as being a mentee. Helping others navigate their leadership journey not only reinforces my own learning but also contributes to the growth of the business community.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a leader who hasn’t yet experienced the power of mentorship, now is the time to start. It’s not about admitting weakness; it’s about embracing growth. The right mentor can help you unlock potential you didn’t even realise you had, guiding you through challenges and propelling you toward greater success.
So, ask yourself—who’s guiding your journey? And if you don’t have a mentor yet, what’s stopping you from finding one today? Tell me in the comments.