mentoring programs, valuable mentoring was still happening. “As a kitchen manager at Robert Morris University School of Culinary Arts, I had a wonderful supervisor that spent a lot of time teaching me the ‘why’ behind certain processes,” she says, “including me on particular projects and helping me learn to communicate more effectively with the chefs and faculty we worked with. At Corrugated Supplies, my supervisor is a fantastic mentor as well. He takes the time to help me think through how to solve certain problems, gives suggestions for improving my communication and clarity, and keeps me engaged with projects that help me learn and develop my skill sets.” In addition, she says, “My co-workers are very knowledgeable and are happy to share information about their processes, best practices, and advice.” Avoiding the Pitfalls For companies overseeing their own mentoring initiatives, Ellis has some words of caution. “Not every successful professional makes a successful mentor,” he says. “Folks who are called upon to mentor are usually pretty busy; otherwise, no one would be interested in them. So, they have to be particularly motivated to want to mentor and invest the time and energy required. They also need to want
to share the knowledge and insight they have without feeling like they’re giving away their secrets or putting their own careers at risk.” It is also important that mentors understand the differences between mentoring and, say, teaching or a collegial friendship. Effective mentoring relationships are unlike these other relationships in that they work best when information and guidance flow one way. “Other relationships are supposed to be mutual,” he says, with a natural give-and-take that flows between parties. That’s not the case when it comes to mentoring. “With mentoring, the mentor is there to support the mentee. As a mentor, you might divulge something about yourself—just like a coach or therapist might—but you never forget that you’re there for the sake of the one you’re mentoring.” Because of the nuances involved in managing this kind of relationship, Ellis believes it can be helpful to bring in a third party to work with mentors and mentees. “In part, that’s what I do for a living—and it’s a significant part of my work with AICC’s EL program,” he says. “I’m not trying to lead the relationship. I just want the participants to consider things they might not have thought about if they’ve never been involved
in mentoring before. If they haven’t mentored somebody or been mentored themselves, they don’t know what can go wrong, how to establish boundaries, and what will help it to be effective.” Empowering Future Leaders Malone believes one of the best things mentors can do is to share their vision with the people they mentor and provide opportunities to become more involved. “Include mentees in meetings, projects, and tours whenever possible, so they can listen,” she says. “Just being involved and observing the way particular discussions or projects are handled goes such a long way and helps mold their own skill set. Also, it’s key to listen to their goals and interests and identify ways to help incorporate those within their job function.” For those seeking to get the most from being mentored, she advises, “Listen, take notes, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask to get involved. The worst answer you can get is no, and I think you’d be surprised at how rarely that happens. At the end of the day, initiative is what will set you apart. If you are willing to listen and learn, you will see a lot of value out of mentoring.” In the end, mentoring—no matter how it’s accomplished—can be a valuable differentiator for any boxmaker. “Retaining good talent is a challenge,” says Malone. “Empowering your young professionals to learn more about the industry, participate in industry networking and training events, and expand their network will be a win both for the employee and your company.” For information on the AICC Emerging Leaders program, visit www. aiccbox.org/page/leader. Robert Bittner is a Michigan-based freelance journalist and a frequent BoxScore contributor.
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BOXSCORE September/October 2021
