Peer Pressures
Do we now have to observe our bosses on social media? I do (on two platforms, out of obligation I assume) and really feel obligated to “like” all their posts. It’s exhausting.
— Nameless, Toronto
You’re beneath no obligation to observe your boss on social media. Your boss isn’t your pal. Now, a few of us do observe skilled colleagues on social media for a variety of causes. When you work in social media, for instance, it may be needed or useful to observe individuals you’re employed with. Different instances, you may be inquisitive about a co-worker’s private life otherwise you would possibly really be pleasant and even buddies.
When following a boss, although, there’s a vital energy imbalance and an added layer of strain to have interaction with content material. As you notice, that type of factor is exhausting. It’s extra work and few persons are in search of extra work. You even have to fret about your boss following you on social media, and maybe figuring out extra about your private life than is good. Boundaries begin to blur and that may get messy, relying on the way you deal with social media. Do your self the kindness of unfollowing your boss and don’t give it one other thought.
Eager to Be a Higher Mentor
Each few years, I choose to be a part of an expert mentorship program. The packages range, however the common construction tends to be matching individuals with the expectation of assembly often over the course of a number of months. Mentorship might be fantastic, and as an idea, is highly effective and essential.
I really feel horrible saying this, however I’ve by no means felt like I give a lot to or get a lot worth out of those structured packages — as both a mentee or as a mentor. However I’ve discovered casual mentoring extraordinarily useful and rewarding. Assist! What makes for good mentoring relationships?
— Nameless
A proper mentorship expertise is simply as profitable because the individuals concerned and the design of this system. Good mentoring relationships are lively, mutual and all the time transferring ahead. I’ve discovered that mentoring experiences which might be structured work finest. In these experiences, there are clearly outlined targets and outcomes. There are techniques in place to create accountability, and there’s flexibility to permit the mentoring relationship to evolve primarily based on the mentee’s wants and the mentor’s experience. It’s useful when there’s a clearly delineated timeframe and the chance for casual mentoring to proceed after this system is finished.
It’s additionally actually essential for each events to wish to be concerned. All too typically, professionals are thrust into mentoring experiences with out being given the chance to supply any enter, with out even being requested in the event that they wish to be mentored. If somebody isn’t thinking about mentoring, for no matter purpose, even probably the most fantastically designed program will fail.
It may be time so that you can take a break from formal mentoring. Or maybe you’ll be able to provide some suggestions about what’s and isn’t working within the present program. The true query right here is why aren’t you giving or getting a lot worth from these packages? And what, if something, might be carried out to deal with your considerations? I want you one of the best find extra fulfilling formal mentoring experiences. That you simply care sufficient to ask this query lets me know you’ll determine this out.
