Time is arguably your most precious resource. A third of everywomanNetwork members say that the one thing that would enable them to engage in more learning and development is bitesize training. Against this backdrop, a new trend is emerging: micro-mentorship.
While long-term, time-intensive mentorship commitments still have a place, more and more women are embracing quick learning experiences that fit into their fast-paced lifestyles. Micro-mentorship is the mentoring version of a coffee break, but with a punch. It’s about focused, goal-oriented advice and learning moments that are short and sweet, yet impactful. Imagine getting insights on negotiating your next raise during a 15-minute virtual meet-up or sharing work-life balance tips in a speed session between meetings. This is micro-mentorship in action—flexible, specific, ‘just-in-time’ advice that can immediately be put into action without the sometimes-daunting ‘ask’ of requesting formal mentorship of a senior colleague.
Micro vs. Traditional Mentorship: Understanding the Differences
The benefits of micro-mentorship for your career
In the fast-paced world of work, where time is at a premium and access to formal learning and development might be limited, micro-mentorship can throw up many benefits—and quickly.
Perhaps the most obvious is the acceleration of learning and growth that micro-mentorship offers, allowing you to speedily acquire new skills and insights that can supercharge your career. This dynamic approach to learning keeps you agile and informed, ready to tackle new challenges.
With each session, you gain not only skills and knowledge but also confidence. This empowerment is transformative, propelling you to take bold steps in your career and advocate for yourself and your ideas.
Though short-term by nature, micro-mentoring relationships can yield long-term benefits. Every micro-mentorship interaction expands your network, connecting you with professionals you might not otherwise have engaged with. These connections increase your visibility in your industry, opening up new opportunities for advancement along the way.
In short, micro-mentorship is a dynamic, interactive process that enriches both the mentor and mentee. By approaching it with a clear plan, openness to learning, and a commitment to applying insights, you can unlock untold opportunities.
The power of micro-mentorship lies not only in those one-to-one exchanges, but also in the community that evolves around each interaction. When women commit to sharing and receiving knowledge, they contribute to a culture of female empowerment in which goals are surpassed and women feel both supported and supportive.
Micro-mentorship: Pinpointing your need
A micro-mentorship session can focus on virtually anything. Here are some examples of typical needs…
Seven steps to successfully leveraging micro-mentorship
- Find your micro-mentors
Start by identifying what you need. Is it advice on a specific project? Guidance on work-life balance? Technical skills? Once you’ve pinpointed your need, look for potential mentors in your network. The key is to seek out experts who can offer concise, actionable advice in their specific domain.
- Make the ask
Reaching out might seem daunting, but remember, the commitment you’re asking for is minimal. A simple message outlining what you admire about their work and the specific guidance you’re seeking can open the door. Most professionals are flattered to be asked and willing to share their insights in a short session.
- Prepare for your session
To maximise the benefits of micro-mentorship, preparation is crucial. Have clear objectives for what you want to learn and come with specific questions. This ensures you make the most of the short time you have, and your mentor can provide focused, useful advice.
- Cultivate an open mindset
Approach each session with curiosity, an open mind, and a readiness to act on the advice given—even if it’s unexpected or appears jarring on the surface. The real value of micro-mentorship lies in your ability to take insights and turn them into action.
- Time for reflection
After each session, allow time for reflection. Consider any advice you received and ask what impact it could have for you if implemented. This practice helps solidify learning and inform future micro-mentorship interactions too.
- Keep the momentum going
One session may lead to another, or to a different mentor who can offer new insights. Keep the momentum going by regularly seeking micro-mentorship opportunities. Each session is a step forward in your career development.
- Give back
Micro-mentorship is a two-way street. Share your own experiences and knowledge when the opportunity arises. This culture of sharing and support strengthens our professional networks and empowers all of us.
