Changing the world one relationship at a time.
“Life and death matters, yes. And the question of how to behave in this world, how to go in the face of everything. Time is short and the water is rising.” – Raymond Carver
In 2007, Pollinate was born out of a desire to help solve the world’s biggest issues. We wanted to get people together and share knowledge to get important things done. I am so fortunate to have been doing this work since then, and to see many careers, ideas, and businesses flourish. And yet… clearly, there is so much still to do. Mentoring each other is increasingly urgent.
I still believe, as I did in 2007, that two keys to changing the world (our own worlds, or the world at large) are:
- The continued acquisition of self-knowledge
- A blend of knowledge transfer and social support
Mentorship skills and mindsets are vital to build the world we want to live in! Consider all of the use cases emerging from global communities:
Educational Achievement
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Investing in education is crucial, and mentoring has been shown to significantly improve educational outcomes. According to research from “MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership”, students who meet regularly with their mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college. This not only prepares a future workforce but also builds a talent pipeline for organizations. Companies that support mentoring programs can expect a more educated and engaged workforce in the future.
Career Development
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey
Mentoring plays a vital role in career development. Employees with mentors are promoted five times more often than those without mentors, according to a study by Gartner. Moreover, mentees experience higher job satisfaction and are more likely to stay with their employers, reducing turnover rates and fostering a more engaged workforce. This translates to lower recruitment costs and a more loyal, productive team.
Social and Emotional Development
“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” – John C. Crosby
In the workplace, mentoring fosters social skills and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for effective leadership and teamwork. Research indicates that mentored individuals exhibit improved self-esteem, better social skills, and reduced depressive symptoms. This creates a more supportive and collaborative work environment, where employees feel valued and motivated.
Promotion of Equity and Inclusion
“In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.” – Phil Collins
Diversity and inclusion are critical to organizational success. Mentoring programs specifically designed for women and minorities help address inequalities in various fields, particularly in STEM. These programs provide crucial support, increase representation, and foster success among underrepresented groups. Companies that prioritize mentoring for diversity and inclusion can build a more innovative and resilient workforce.
Community and Economic Benefits
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
The benefits of mentoring extend beyond individual achievements to broader community impacts. Communities with strong mentoring programs often see reduced crime rates, higher employment levels, and better civic engagement. Economically, mentoring contributes to a more skilled and productive workforce, driving innovation and growth. Companies that invest in mentoring contribute to the overall health of their communities, which can create a positive cycle of prosperity and goodwill.
Global Reach and Scalability
“Mentoring is a way to make the world a better place, one person at a time.” – Anonymous
With the rise of digital platforms, mentoring can now transcend geographic boundaries. This global reach allows for the sharing of knowledge and support across different cultures and communities, amplifying the impact of mentoring on a global scale. For multinational corporations, this means the ability to implement mentoring programs across diverse regions, fostering a cohesive and inclusive corporate culture worldwide.
In Conclusion
Mentoring is a powerful tool that can change the world, one relationship at a time. Whether it’s improving educational outcomes, fostering career development, enhancing social and emotional well-being, reducing risky behaviours, promoting equity, or driving community and economic benefits, the evidence is clear: mentoring works. As the saying goes, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Through mentoring, we have the power to create a brighter, more inclusive, and more connected world.
For corporations looking to invest in the future, mentoring is not just a good deed—it’s a smart business strategy. Are you ready to change the world? Start a mentoring program today and watch the ripple effects transform your organization and beyond.
Christy Pettit is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Pollinate Networks Inc.
For 25 years, Christy has developed new approaches and best practices for agile, effective organizations worldwide. She is an expert on matching people and organizations for applications including knowledge transfer and mentorship programs, flexible virtual and hybrid teams, and productive organizational and business ecosystems and networks.
