Most mentoring programs today, whether formal or informal in nature focus on the benefits to the mentee. Depending on the type of program and age of the mentee, mentoring researchers and program directors report that mentees demonstrate improvement in self-esteem, social skills, peer relationships, school and community engagement and more positive attitudes about life. Mentors provide guidance and direction and help to shape lives. Mentors help prepare mentees to succeed in the educational arena, careers and their future. In the business world, mentors often mentor their peers on personal growth while sharing tips and strategies to move up the ladder of success and get promoted at work.
Yet less is reported about the benefits to mentors. In my experience designing and evaluating mentoring programs for more than thirty years, mentors tell me that they get as much if not more out the relationship then their mentees. What do researchers suggest regarding benefits when mentors engage in mentoring?
Mentoring is more than altruism. Individuals who mentor improve their job satisfaction. When mentoring another, mentors increase their own empathy and active listening skills. Mentoring is a chance to step back and gain perspective. It creates recognition among your peers. Mentors report that they get along better with their own family. Mentoring has been proven to keep employees for the long haul in their place of employment and having a mentoring program in place is an appeal to a prospective employee. Mentoring can reduce anxiety and improve the mental health of the mentors. Several studies have indicated that mentoring is good for your heart. An individual with purpose is happier and healthier. Mentoring offers social connections.
Studies from Patricia A. Boyle, a neuropsychologist and researcher and others have shown that mentors:
- Have higher cognitive abilities than people who choose not to mentor
- Have lower blood pressure
- Have a 30% slower decline in mental faculties
- Have 40% less incidence of depression
- Are less prone to alcohol and drug addiction
- Tend to have a lighter body mass index
- Have a more positive outlook about life (than non-mentors)
- May live an average of 4 years longer (than non-mentors)
The results are in. According to Boyle, “the next time you are looking for a way to have a positive impact on the world, become a mentor. It will not only improve your health and outlook; it may very likely change the direction of a young person’s life”. I agree!
Dr. Susan G. Wienberger
