Our National Mentoring Day build-up continues with us putting the spotlight on mentee, Joanne Smith.Joanne is an apprentice with HIT Training who sponsor her membership with the Institute of Hospitality, which gives apprentices the option to join our mentoring scheme. She has found being part of this project has already helped her career development. We are currently looking for new mentors and would love to hear from any members or Fellows who could help people like Joanne.
What’s the best piece of advice your mentor has given you?
Values! Know them, demonstrate then and let them be central to the way you manage your business and lead your team. They will be of paramount importance when the going gets tough and will help to guide you through when tough decisions need to be made.
Why are schemes like Mentor Me so important to the hospitality industry?
Schemes like this are so beneficial to the development of an individual within the hospitality industry. Not only do they provide you with a safe space to explore and reflect on your leadership style, they also provide the opportunity to gain advice and ask those questions that sometimes there isn’t an easy answer too.
Can you give us a specific example of a mentoring success story?
What I really liked was the way my mentor helps me to explore solutions to the challenges that I had rather than just to tell me the best practice of doing things. By asking thought provoking questions, giving different scenarios and sharing previous experiences it encouraged me to explore solutions and approach situations from a different point of view.
Would you like to mentor someone in the future and if so, why?
Absolutely. The main reason for this is that I know first-hand how valuable this programme has been for myself and I understand the benefits of this. I am also passionate about nurturing talent within the industry and feel like this is a great way to aid this. It’s my chance to give back to an industry that has given me so much.
Want to become a mentor or mentee?
Mentor Me is mentoring with a difference; it focuses on career growth and development for both experienced and new hospitality managers. Our student members, apprentice members and Associates (AIH) are matched with experienced Members (MIH) and Fellows (FIH) to undertake some guided learning on topical industry issues alongside monthly meetings.
If you can commit to a one-to-one meeting each month for a six-month period and you are keen to undertake professional development, as well as supporting a colleague, then Mentor Me could be for you!
Be part of our well-respected network, get trusted advice and take a positive approach to your learning and development.
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