Prioritizing Mentorships and Community
The personal and professional challenges of the past 18 months cannot be overstated. Though the benefits of remote and hybrid work are many, without proper planning and attention, these scenarios can lead to feelings of isolation and burnout. When you add in the fact that project management is known for being a stressful career path in the most “normal” of times, we have a potential crisis in our field.
There is increased demand for technology that fosters or replaces in-person communication and community. While innovating digital solutions for every conceivable need is a commendable endeavor given the circumstances, organizations run the risk of losing the intangibles of building in-person relationships, such as mentorships, for some. Relationships like these are vital to the overall mental wellness and satisfaction of project management professionals. How do we preserve, nurture and grow our connections beyond the screen, and why does it matter?
Mentors matter
The benefits of mentorship are innumerable, ranging from fostering increased feelings of empowerment and happiness to improved performance and productivity. Mentors enrich our professional lives as trusted advisors and advocates, offering a sense of stability and a way forward through workplace chaos. Their leadership, unique perspective and experience help direct us to achieve success and leverage advantageous opportunities. Great mentors transform us with their indelible impression, and in the wake of the pandemic's upheaval, they have become highly sought lifelines.
Coping with burnout
As early adopters and champions of the remote work model, the project management industry already knows what it takes to invest in community, and we know that coming together virtually doesn't need to be a lesser version of in-person engagement. The combination of personal and professional extended remote dynamics, however, can pose unique challenges. Emotional and mental burnout and work exoduses are rising across all industries, but mentorships are proven ways to cope. As such, now more than ever, the project management industry should prioritize community and mentor relationships. Here are some ways to develop a more authentic connection:
Establish rapport: Committing to a regular cadence such as a monthly or quarterly in-person meeting (while observing current safety measures) will help build a mutual sense of trust and respect. It also gives mentors and mentees alike something to look forward to and breaks up remote work monotony, serving as an important reason to step away from the screen and engage more personally.
Read a book together: If virtual one-on-ones can't be avoided, consider engaging in a shared remote activity, like reading the same book. The positive experience lends itself to a collaborative dynamic that could pivot to providing (and receiving) objective and constructive feedback, identifying strategic goals and evaluating aspirations.
Ditch the drinks and opt for something new: Happy hours may not always spark vulnerability or authentic conversations. Mentors and mentees need a safe space to discuss, evaluate and problem-solve. Perhaps this means venturing outside to take a walk or hike together and reflect and process out loud.
Meaningful and sustainable mentorships don't happen overnight. Relationships are mutual investments of care, concern, time and effort. Every interaction, whether it's in-person or virtual, counts.