Mentorship has occurred since the beginning of human existence and culture.  The survival of thought and inspiration are the key elements of a successful society and commerce between people.  Mentorship is a simple formula: experienced and established professionals who educate, coach and facilitate a learning environment for the leaders of tomorrow.

The majority of mentorship relationships are created organically, through conversations and meetings in a formal or informal setting. It helps people understand their strengths, their knowledge and ability to build communities. In addition, mentorship relationships help participants to develop and advance their skills as well as strategies on how to be successful.  Moreover, the crucial key for establishing a successful mentorship relationship is trust – essentially, fostering a connection through knowledge sharing where judgement ceases to exist.

The Benefits of Mentorship

Traditionally, the onus of the responsibility to connect has been in the hands of the seeker – the mentee. However, the most successful mentorship relationships occur when there is both a mutual interest between participants and a formalized process.  It is essential that leaders take on the charge of forging relationships and bonds with the next generation of leaders. It is also vitally important that the next generation of leaders take the initiative in being proactive in the search for their role models. Ultimately, the conversation should be facilitative in nature, while providing necessary support in an empathic setting.

Mentorship has a dual benefit for participants. Both parties have the opportunity to learn, grow and connect where the rewards include, gaining new perspectives, acquiring more knowledge and increased opportunities. While mentorship requires a high level of commitment and responsibility, this two-way transference of ideas and wisdom provides life-long benefits to each party that ultimately outweighs their individual efforts.  This method of meaningful information exchange encourages a future where the possibilities are limitless.

The Advancement of the Next Generation of Leaders

Existing data demonstrates that mentorship opportunities have been little to non-existent for professionals who identify as a minority within their work environment with respect to gender, race, colour, ethnicity, abilities, orientation and age. This lack of access in the past to programs that are inclusive by design has prominently hindered these professionals from reaching their true career potential.

Further, it is evident that a key to advancement in Corporate Canada is not only derived from hard work, having an outstanding aptitude or great qualifications, but it is also achieved through formalized development that provides access to opportunities and a network of influential people.  It is evidently visible that there is currently an underrepresentation of People of Colour in leadership positions and we need to actively move the dial forward where the future of the workplace is a rewarding experience for all.

Additionally, data also recognizes the power of relationships when it comes to career success because we know that:

• 80% of learning takes place between mentors and mentees
• 75% of private sector executives agree that mentoring was critical in their own career development

1 out of every 5 women does not have a mentor

The Solution

As workplace strategists, Matrix360 is honoured to partner with CAUFP to deliver STAR Leadership, Canada’s first Mentorship program focused on underrepresented professionals. The STAR Leadership program focuses on cross training mid-career, high potential talent on key leadership competencies through one-on-one guidance from senior level professionals. It also provides an opportunity for experienced leaders to participate in coaching and guidance initiatives to develop the next wave of leadership.

As you reflect on your own career journey, which insights did you wish you were aware of sooner, especially the valuable lessons you weren’t taught in school? What hardships do you think you could have avoided if you simply had someone to show you a different way to approach situations? Which tools do you wish someone had provided you with sooner to help you better navigate obstacles within your career? Alternatively, who went out of their way to help you along the way? If it wasn’t for them investing in your development, would your career trajectory be what it is today?

These reasons and many more are exactly why we believe that the true success of Star Leadership begins and ends with you.

It’s time for us leaders to pay our successes forward to those who may not otherwise have access to the knowledge and wisdom we have to share. The impact you contribute will last a lifetime for our participants, the community and more importantly you.

We are currently accepting online mentorship applications. We strongly encourage your commitment to participate. More information about the details of the program is available on our website.

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Mentoring is more like passing the baton as part of a relay team than running a marathon solo.

By: Chandran Fernando and Delofante Atkins of Matrix360 (CAUFP Members)

Matrix360 is an advisory firm with over 18 years of experience in talent management and workplace strategy for Corporate Canada, specializing in the Commercial Real Estate and Development (CRED) industry. As the bridge between people and businesses, we know the pulse of the workplace and are in tune with the needs of both, for today and for the future. We are partners and advocates for underrepresented groups in Corporate Canada.

Matrix360 believes to have healthy, successful businesses and communities; businesses need to heavily invest in people. Leveraging our expertise, we deliver customized, actionable, achievable and measurable solutions for the CRED industry and Corporate Canada. A focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are embedded into all of our services and programs that support an inclusive mindset to create a better, more robust workplace for all.