Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders
In a project for a major healthcare company, I worked to assess the skills and competencies that public relations leaders will need in the future. By identifying a group of best-in-class companies—General Electric, McDonald’s, Cargill, Toyota, Chevron, IBM, and Southwest Airlines—we interviewed their public relations leaders about what they viewed as essential to the work of their teams.
Across these interviews, more than two dozen skills were highlighted, including strategic thinking, creativity, business knowledge, collaboration, and effective communication. But one critical skill didn’t receive as much attention as I expected: mentoring.
This raised an important question: Why isn’t mentoring rated as highly as other leadership skills? Is it because some corporate cultures don’t value it? Is it a lack of willing mentors or mentees, or perhaps a perception that there’s not enough time for it?
I don’t believe the issue is about a shortage of time or interest. Mentorship is about the willingness to enter a relationship where both mentor and mentee benefit. It’s about sharing experiences, opening up, and helping others grow—while also growing yourself. As Winston Churchill wisely said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” That’s the essence of true mentorship: developing today’s talent into tomorrow’s leaders.
The Role of Mentorship in Leadership
Mentorship in leadership is far more than a professional obligation—it’s a dynamic relationship that fosters growth on both sides. Mentors help guide their mentees through career challenges, teaching them how to navigate complex problems, refine strategies, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to lead effectively. It’s also a process where mentors reflect on their own leadership journey, becoming better coaches, listeners, and leaders in the process
But what do mentors need from their mentees? Mentors thrive when they understand the context of the relationship—the "why" behind the mentoring process. Being an effective mentor requires an open dialogue about expectations, goals, and the way forward. Mentors don’t just provide advice; they act as sounding boards, helping mentees refine their thoughts, strategies, and actions.
Why Mentoring Matters Now More Than Ever
In today's fast-paced public relations landscape, leaders must adapt to emerging technologies, digital media trends, and generational shifts in the workforce. Mentoring plays a pivotal role in equipping future leaders with the tools they need to navigate these changes effectively. It’s not just about passing down knowledge but also about creating a space for collaboration and innovation.
Moreover, reverse mentoring—where younger professionals provide insights into newer trends and technologies—has become an invaluable aspect of this dynamic relationship. This exchange ensures that mentors stay current, while mentees gain confidence and guidance in their own leadership journey(
Mentoring the Next Generation
Critics often portray younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, as being overly reliant on feedback and lacking the grit of previous generations. However, my experience shows that young professionals are eager for mentorship, not because they lack initiative but because they want to learn how to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing workplace(
As mentors, we have a responsibility to guide these emerging leaders, helping them balance ambition with patience and perspective. The gap between their aspirations and current experience can be daunting, and mentoring helps bridge that gap by providing wisdom and a clearer understanding of what it takes to excel.
Conclusion
Mentorship is more than a nice-to-have leadership quality; it is an essential component of developing the next generation of leaders in public relations and beyond. By building relationships that are based on trust, mutual learning, and shared goals, we can cultivate future leaders who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving industry. The act of mentoring not only shapes the mentee but also reinforces the mentor’s own leadership abilities, creating a cycle of continuous growth and development.
At the heart of mentorship lies the belief that we grow together—mentor and mentee, teacher and student. It is this collaborative spirit that ensures we pass on not only our knowledge but also the wisdom that shapes the leaders of tomorrow.
Mentorship is about the willingness to enter a relationship where both mentor and mentee benefit. It’s about sharing experiences, opening up, and helping others grow—while also growing yourself.
