By GREGORY SMITH
Business Columnist

Many companies have discovered that the use of a mentor for new employees not only helps them settle into their job and company environment, but also contributes to a lower turnover rate.

A mentor, basically, is someone who serves as a counselor, a guide or coach. Being asked to serve as a mentor is an honor. It indicates that the company has faith in the person's abilities and trusts him or her to have a positive impact on the situation. Whether informal or formal, both parties need to understand the parameters. These may be more important in a long-term, formal mentoring situation, but can also influence the success of short-term, informal mentoring.

… The mentor's role is to teach and advise the new employee. The mentor does not interfere with the supervisor or manager,s decisions. The new employee, while expected to seek the mentor,s advice, particularly on critical issues, is not bound to accept that advice.

…Confidentiality is important. Both parties need to feel confident that discussions remain between them—not immediately relayed to a supervisor or manager.

… Certain areas may be considered off-limits. The mentor needs to outline these areas at the beginning.

…Openness and respect: Both the mentor and the person being mentored need to be open and honest, yet respect the other. A mentor who withholds important information or comments does not contribute to the other person,s success. However, such comments should be delivered with tact and courtesy—and (even if somewhat hurtful) received with an open mind.

Most often the role of mentor is associated with serving as advisor to a new employee. However, persons interested in changing career fields might seek out a mentor or a business coach to help them evaluate their decision and offer guidance.

Gregory P. Smith shows businesses how to build productive and profitable work environments that attract, keep and motivate their workforce. He speaks at conferences and is the President of a management consulting firm called Chart Your Course International located in Conyers, Georgia. Phone him at (770)860-9464

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