#Mandela100: The Madiba magic of mentoring
Madiba himself said:
A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.Motau and Ralushayi concur that ‘a concern for others’ is essential to making the world a better place and succeeding at business.
And that’s the definition of mentorship – a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.
It’s a business-boosting way of giving back on a personal level, as mentors typically set aside time each month to talk through the mentee's career hurdles and offer advice and tips to get ahead in the undeniably challenging job market.
Really meaningful mentorship at #Exchange2017SA pic.twitter.com/nxnqa6a8cA
— Nkgabiseng Motau (@Nkgabi_Motau) November 25, 2017
Explain the power of mentoring, especially in SA.
Motau: There are so many things you don’t know as a young professional – not the theory, but rather the learned information.
Having a network of mentors is a way for young people not to have to spend a long time getting to know those things the hard way. It’s true that we learn from those who have charted the path, but this is valuable beyond business lessons.
It’s also great to have someone validate your ideas and guide you from a growth perspective.
How does mentoring tie in with the power of giving back and the overall feeling around Mandela Day?
Motau: South Africa’s history of oppression has created a great deficit of skills in society that can be addressed in part with mentorship.
To me, Nelson Mandela was a great teacher who was a great champion of bringing those who come behind you with you. In a way, one could say he was a mentor to us all.
That’s for sure. Talk us through your own experience as a mentor and how this has benefited your career. 
With this programme, we were able to have face-to-face mentorship with female talent in the advertising space.
This is a very fulfilling experience because we learn as much as we teach. We also mentor in more informal ways, always making ourselves available for discussion and collaboration with those who want to pick our brains.
What should others look for in a work mentor? Share some tips on being a better mentor to others.
Ralushayi: Being a mentor is a real commitment:
- Don’t take up the job if you can’t give the time.
- Be generous with your learnings and networks.
- Leave your ego at the door.
Wise words, and there’s no better time than #MandelaMonth to put mentorship on the map. Follow Motau and Ralushayi on Twitter and Think Creative Hub on Instagram for the latest updates.
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About Leigh Andrews
Leigh Andrews AKA the #MilkshakeQueen, is former Editor-in-Chief: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com, with a passion for issues of inclusion, belonging, and of course, gourmet food and drinks! Now follow her travel adventures on YouTube @MidlifeMeander.
