Bonita says “JUST DO IT! You have nothing to lose and possibly much to gain, including a sense of pride and achievement as you see your mentee succeed.”
We caught up with Bonita to hear more about the journey that led her to a successful career at Morson Projects and an additional role as mentor.
Hi Bonita! Why did you choose to become a mentor?
I chose to become a mentor because I had heard a lot of positive comments from both mentors and Mentees, that the programme wasn’t as daunting as it might sound for mentors (having never mentored anyone formally previously).
Morson Projects provide regular training and host social events for both the mentors and mentees.
Also seeing the increased number of graduates starting with Morson Projects, it was clear there was a demand for more people to get involved.
I have been a team leader previously but currently don’t have any direct reports, I am a people person and feel it’s important for new workers in a business to have colleagues they can turn to for support and guidance.
Please can you tell us a bit about your mentoring experiences so far…
I’m not just saying this, I have two brilliant mentees, both are very different in their job roles and personalities.
What motivates you in your work?
My motivation comes from my perfectionism, which drives me to complete tasks with precision. I enjoy process driven work and I thrive on interacting with people, whether it’s collaborating with colleagues or being a mentor.
What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?
I find great satisfaction in watching my mentees grow and being there to support them when necessary. Mentoring also gives me the chance to connect with colleagues I might not have worked closely with otherwise, which is both inspiring and motivating. Being part of the Early Careers Development Programme (ECDP) community is a truly rewarding experience.
What kind of growth or changes have you seen in your past mentees?
I’ve seen both of my Mentees grow significantly in confidence, with increased recognition and positive feedback from their line managers and colleagues. It’s been rewarding to witness their development and the impact they’re making within their teams.
What challenges do you often face in mentoring, and how do you suggest dealing with them?
I haven’t faced a particular challenge so far in mentoring. I’m hoping that continues however, I try to see challenges as an opportunity to learn.
What advice would you give someone considering becoming a mentor?
It sounds cheesy but DO IT! You have nothing to lose and possibly much to gain, including a sense of pride and achievement as you see your mentee succeed.
What do you think makes a good mentor? How have you developed these traits over time?
I think a good mentor should be non-judgmental, friendly and approachable. They shouldn’t be afraid of their own knowledge gaps, and should be honest and clear if you don’t have an answer.
I think a good mentor should show a proactive attitude and lead by example. A good mentor should always be learning too, identifying their own weaknesses and skill gaps and developing these.
How do you typically structure your mentoring relationships?
Each mentoring relationship is different, depending on the mentee. The relationship can work formally or in a more relaxed way. I think it’s important to be flexible and open, sticking to a structure and trained methods as a starting point then allowing the relationship to grow organically.
What books, resources, or people have influenced your career the most?
Managers around me have influenced me massively, seeing good management and bad management has helped me to define my career goals and the person that I am. My previous company helped me to see that we should always be striving to improve, and that change is challenging but possible with the right communication and attitude.
Bonita is of over 80 in-house mentors, follow the link to hear more from our mentoring team>