Mentoring For Success

Written by Victor Medugu on February 21, 2024. Posted in Articles.

The year 2023 brought about significant achievements in my mentoring journey as four of my mentees successfully secured Business Analyst roles in the UK.

My passion for mentoring was ignited during my transition to the Learning and Development department at the International Committee of the Red Cross several years ago. This transformative experience marked the beginning of my dedication to fostering growth and professional development in others.

Mentoring aligns with the 70-20-10 model, specifically falling within the 20% designated for social learning. In this context, learners engage in collaborative knowledge exchange with peers and mentors, creating an environment conducive to skill development and personal growth. The 70% is designated to pivotal role of practical experience in shaping competence on the role, continuous learning by doing. The 10% is accredited to formal learning conducted in in either in online sessions or in workshops or classrooms.

A mutually beneficial relationship between the mentor and the mentee characterises successful mentoring. The mentee receives individualised counsel and access to a wealth of knowledge, and the mentor finds joy in helping someone progress. This stimulating exchange fosters self-assurance, leadership skills, and a greater comprehension of one’s area of expertise. Consequently, mentoring emerges as a keystone for achievement, bridging the knowledge gap between theory and practice and enabling people to travel with direction and clarity.

Essentially, mentorship spreads like wildfire, encouraging a culture of never-ending growth and success. A mentor facilitates the growth and learning of the mentee by offering insightful counsel, encouragement, and support. The mentor’s experience and skill set serve as a beacon, providing guidance and insight along the way to success. This connection extends beyond traditional schooling, providing insights from the actual world and strengthening abilities that are frequently absent from textbooks.

Business analysis is a profession with a T-shaped skill set, it places strong emphasis on personal qualities. These qualities are not only crucial for success in the field but also form the foundation for effective mentorship. Key among these qualities is relationship building, as mentoring thrives in an environment of openness, trust, active listening, and the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.

Dr. Linda Philips-Jones, in her enlightening article “Skills for Successful Mentoring,” outlines essential qualities for a good mentor, including the ability to inspire, offer corrective feedback, and, notably, open doors. I resonate with the concept of “opening doors” in mentoring, as it encapsulates the mentor’s role in guiding a mentee toward new opportunities. I prefer to frame it as showing the mentee the door, emphasizing the mentor’s responsibility to guide and support the mentee in achieving new skills and heights.

A mentor’s effectiveness hinges on maintaining a friendly and approachable disposition. Accessibility and availability are paramount, even in today’s fast-paced world filled with numerous commitments. Mentoring in the professional realm of business analysis involves not only imparting technical skills but also guiding protégés to succeed as consultants within the dynamic field of business analysis.

According to Memon J et al. (2015), mentorship can evolve through various life stages, including initiation, cultivation, and separation. Moreover, there may be a definition stage that facilitates the establishment of a meaningful friendship between the mentor and mentee. Each stage introduces distinct challenges and opportunities, contributing to the comprehensive development of the mentoring relationship.

In the context of actively seeking a role, a mentee should possess the crucial skill of effective networking, a great place to start is LinkedIn. This goes beyond using the platform solely for job searches; it includes joining industry-specific groups to acquire valuable information, knowledge, and opportunities. LinkedIn functions as a tool for recruiters to directly approach individuals for interviews. However, before initiating contact with recruiters, thorough preparation is essential. This preparation involves gaining a solid understanding of fundamental Business Analysis concepts, including requirement gathering/elicitation, analysis, and management.

A comprehensive approach to processes is essential, involving the ability to assess and enhance them by understanding the current state and making improvements for a better customer experience. Effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external, is key, utilizing various requirement gathering methods. Identifying the right individuals to meet with and providing relevant responses often requires creating a stakeholder matrix to map those involved in the project.

Documentation plays a vital role, involving the use of process models to create organizational templates such as requirement catalogues, functional specifications, or Jira boards. Finally, extensive collaboration, active participation in meetings, and volunteering beyond one’s immediate task and job description are important aspects to contribute effectively in a professional setting.

The most gratifying moment in mentoring comes when a mentee reaches out with the news of securing a job, expressing gratitude for the support provided. While not every mentee may secure a position immediately, the success of even one mentee is deeply rewarding, showcasing the tangible results of effective mentorship.

Mentoring goes beyond simply obtaining a business analyst role; it encompasses on-the-job coaching as well. It aims to ensure that the mentee grasps the crucial knowledge needed to seamlessly integrate into the role. Nevertheless, many mentees appear to prefer a coach within their organization, as it accelerates their acclimatization, helps them comprehend the tacit knowledge of the workplace, and enables alignment with colleagues who can facilitate a smoother transition into the role.

As I reflect on the successes of 2023, I look forward to continuing my mentoring support to colleagues in 2024.

Victor Medugu

Victor Medugu is a seasoned Senior Business Analyst with more than four years of experience in enhancing process efficiency and refining business strategies. In his past role he has served as a Learning and Development Specialist and has diverse background in IT transformation water supply, environmental engineering, and humanitarian conflict management. His passion lies in offering capacity-building and career training opportunities, reflecting a commitment to professional development, and making a positive impact on individuals and organizations alike.