Becoming a mentor: Part 1 ‘The nerves’
This week I started my first mentor programme. I chose Creative Mentor Network (CMN) for two main reasons. Firstly they have a great purpose which goes beyond the impact I could have on one person, to the collective impact on an industry. Our industry. Secondly I’ve been looking for ‘leadership’ training for a long time. My two parameters being something hands on and something ‘not wanky’ (excuse my language!)
To set the scene. CMN works to make the creative world of work more inclusive by partnering creative mentors with trainees from diverse backgrounds. This is a mission that was reinforced pretty starkly in session one with the statistic that around 60% of creative industry jobs are recruited through networks. Suddenly I’m acutely aware of the importance of social capital and topically find myself considering inclusive recruitment yet again (something Snook is running a workshop on this week).
Through the course of the 20 week programme I’m going to write about my experiences. Mainly for myself but also to capture a true documentation (in the moment) of what it’s like to be a mentor for anyone considering it. I’d like to say this is not a blow by blow account of CMN, more reflections on mentoring in general.
And so it begins. The CMN programme consists of 5 hands on sessions learning coaching techniques with other mentors. Between these you meet with your trainee in between sessions. This week I had my first session on Monday. On Friday, I’m meeting William for the first time.
The thing I found most interesting about the session on Monday was the overwhelming sense of nerves in the room. When I began this process I remember thinking how nerve wracking it must be for the young people meeting us for the first time. Never did I consider how nervous I would feel myself. In a room full of experienced professionals there was a real weight of expectation in the room. There was an edge of anxiety as we all wondered if we had what we needed to deliver for these young people.
For me this was somewhat reassuring as it certainly reflected what I had personally been feeling before meeting anyone else. The idea of meeting William before I’d had the first session was overwhelming for me. What was I supposed to do? What was expected of me? And so the list of questions went on. All of which were reassuringly answered during our first session.
CMN also did a great job to reinforce the coaching aspect of the relationship. They have reiterated on numerous occasions the emphasis on mentor and trainee finding their own relationship. However I wonder if it’s the uncertainty within this, coupled with the power dynamic at the outset that leaves mentors grasping for some kind of roadmap or all knowing bible of guidance. Not that I would ever advocate handing over such a deadly weapon but it’s intriguing to wonder where these feelings stem from.
It will be interesting to see after we’ve met our trainees if this weight of expectation reduces as a relationship starts to develop. I guess I’ll find out on Friday when I meet William for tea.
