Here is the Key to Build Mentoring into a Successful Business Structure

Traditional business structures have promoted a vertical hierarchy, with executives and seasoned employees at the top, highly inaccessible to junior employees at the bottom. This kind of closed-off structure invariably creates barriers to communication within a company and produces gaps where knowledge and skills fall. Unfortunately, you may still see this type of structure in antiquated organizations unwilling to let go of the old way. Still, most organizations that want to thrive in today’s business world have taken on a structure of a more horizontal nature, one that fosters knowledge share and collaboration among its employees—both senior and junior.  

Of course, communication gaps happen in any organization. Still, when you put the proper channels and programs into place and create an environment of collaboration and learning, you can come pretty close to a progressive work culture that incorporates interactive, approachable management and employees who are engaged and constantly growing. Mentoring naturally fits into this new type of business structure. The nature of a horizontal business structure is one of shared ideas and skills and a workforce that thrives on learning new things and sharing their knowledge with others.  

Junior employees learn from senior executives because often, they are working side-by-side, sometimes even learning from each other. Effective mentoring in this setting empowers individuals to think creatively rather than take direction and encourages them to challenge themselves in determining the direction of their careers.

Whether mentoring takes place in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis, the interaction and increased level of trust fostered through mentoring will strengthen the ties that bind a vertical business structure together. It will close the gaps in communication by eliminating red tape and teaching employees to work together in realizing not only the company's goals but also their own. If your organization is starting, consider building a business structure that promotes collaboration and open communication among all levels of the organization. Then, take steps to begin incorporating a robust mentoring program that matches your experts with employees who are eager to learn.  

You'll create a fun, interactive environment with the power to boost morale and foster employees who are loyal to your company and each other. If this post resonated with you, check with your organization to see whether you are part of the MentorCloud network. If not, sign up for a demo here! Our vision is to create a mentoring planet where true equality is achieved, and hard work is rewarded, but it's only possible with your participation.