Technology has been a huge driver across a number of industries, evolving not only products and services available, but how businesses grow and operate. The landscape of learning and development is one such industry which has seen significant growth following technological developments, and mentoring in particular, has undergone transformations in recent years.

Technology has not only removed barriers to finding mentorship, but also made it easier to access different styles of mentoring, and maintain mentoring relationships.

Here, Ed Johnson, Co-Founder of PushFar, discusses how both accessibility and quality of mentoring has improved with the advancement in technology.

 

The power behind mentoring

Before we dive into the advances brought on by technology, it is important to set the scene as to why mentoring is such a valuable tool within an organisation. Mentoring is no longer siloed to a one-on-one relationship within the workplace, preparing someone for a leadership role or promotion.

Instead, it brings with it a host of benefits, for people of all levels, ages and backgrounds. Mentoring, in today's landscape, takes many different forms, from group mentoring to reverse mentoring, and while it still provides an opportunity to gain invaluable support for career progression, it can also provide a platform for honest discussion, help to build soft skills, advance industry knowledge and increase job satisfaction. In fact, mentoring has been shown to not only improve employee engagement but also increase motivation and empower others.

From an organisational perspective, mentoring can support improved teamwork, help build a positive culture and encourage knowledge sharing. It’s a cost-effective tool which can help both attract and retain talent.

It’s thanks to technology however, that mentoring has become increasingly more accessible, and invaluable to organisations.
 

Finding a Mentor

One of the top hindrances historically was simply finding a suitable mentor; someone who could dedicate time to mentoring and hold the specialist knowledge or skillset needed to mentor an individual. While broad leadership skills are necessary, it’s invaluable to find a mentor who has experience in an individual’s particular field, who can offer advice and insight which is relatable and relevant.

We initially set up the mentoring initiative, which operates as an online platform, matching mentors and mentees globally, following a time when he couldn’t find a suitable mentor himself.

After leaving school at 17, I knew the importance of mentoring and the value it could bring in shaping my future career, but struggled to find a suitable mentor for myself, and knew others would be in a similar situation. I, along with my Co-Founder, created the company as an online solution where we could make mentoring accessible for all. We help individuals both find and become mentors, whilst helping organisations to launch and scale internal and external mentoring programs. The ability to conduct mentoring virtually, has not only removed the barriers to finding a mentor, but has increased the pool of mentors available.

 

Removing barriers

Technological advancements in mentoring, such as the PushFar platform, means there is increased ability to conduct mentoring virtually, through online sessions, which removes the barriers to not only finding a suitable mentor, but receiving continuous support.

Mentoring sessions can be scheduled around existing work routines, and individuals don’t lose time out of their day travelling if their mentor is outside of their workplace. CEOs and peers are simply an internet connection away, and convenient meeting times can be scheduled for both parties with ease. 

Online mentoring also has no boundaries, if a group session is required, these can easily be scheduled with multiple people, across multiple locations.

 

Scalability

The online nature of platforms, bring with them unrestricted scalability through eliminating the issue of geographical location and providing the possibility of international partnerships. Universal access also brings about increased diversity of service, and can connect experienced professionals around the world, along with mentoring programmes being rolled out with ease across global businesses.

 

Cost effectiveness

Virtual mentoring is not only more efficient for geographical purposes but also its cost effectiveness. Another setback for both individuals and businesses can be the cost of training, especially for a full team; online mentoring can be significantly more cost effective. Therefore, more businesses have begun implementing mentoring, resulting in both individual growth through improved confidence, gained skills and clarity on career progression, as well as wider benefits for the organisation such as increased retention rates and improved team morale.

 

Using technology in mentorship

While technology has simplified the mentoring process, there are best practice considerations to get the most out of a virtual mentoring program.

Firstly, consider communication guidelines, for example scheduling conversation times in diaries, sharing documents before scheduled meetings, being prompt in honouring deadlines, not disclosing sensitive information and encouraging regular check-ins.

It’s also important to set clear expectations, with realistic goals and outcomes from the mentoring partnership. Mentoring is all about rapport building, so avoid digital distractions and practice active listening and engaging with your mentor or mentee in a virtual meeting.

 

AI in mentoring

As we are living in a digitalised world that is ever evolving, many worry about the potential impacts of AI. Whilst many are aware that AI will undoubtedly make its mark in many areas, for the likes of mentoring its role should sit as an assistant, rather than a digital mentor.

Although AI is a helpful tool that provides many positives such as improved efficiency, when integrated correctly, it should only ever be used to enhance the overall process. AI can be helpful in the pairing of mentor partners, ensuring the highest degree of compatibility, as well as creating a learning structure tailored to the mentee’s needs. However, human input is necessary for implementing such plans and overseeing the continuous development of the mentee.

AI will never be able to imitate the human traits such as trust and genuine care, that are needed in building the healthy bond between mentor and mentee that is required for successful and effective mentorship.

 

Future proofing

Technology is constantly advancing, and mentoring has seen growth and development in recent years with thanks to these advancements. Location and finding suitable mentors are no longer a barrier, and now mentors and mentees can communicate with ease, globally. There is also a bigger pool of mentors available, so individuals can find the right fit for them.

Online resources, training and industry news is also readily available with thanks to streamlined technology, so career development and personal progression is at our fingertips.

Platforms such as ours have been at the forefront of bringing technology into the mentoring sphere, and we’ve seen so many successful mentoring partnerships and stories thanks to our accessible, and individualised platform. I’m excited to see how technology continues to revolutionise the learning and development industry, and see how mentorship develops as the world becomes increasingly more digital.

 

Ed Johnson 

Co-Founder & CEO at PushFar