As leaders of in-house legal departments, nurturing an environment conducive to mentoring is of prime importance. Not only does successful leadership hinge upon the individual growth of team members, but also on the holistic development of a legal team as reported by Above the Law. The strength of a legal team contributes directly to the broader success of an organization, and a robust mentoring process is a key contributing factor in forging such teams.
In the course of one’s professional journey, both formal as well as informal mentoring relationships formed outside programmatic structures can prove valuable in personal development. Such relationships often burgeon naturally over time without any concerted effort, thanks to an ongoing human proclivity for seeking guidance.
So, what can foster such relationships? The creation of supportive environments, which allow individuals to foster interests and build mutual respect, yields fertile ground for the emergence of mentoring relationships. Shared goals and interests within a group can naturally encourage mentorship, with leaders willing to offer advice and support. Mutual respect, too, for each other’s knowledge and skills, fosters an atmosphere that encourages the sharing and receipt of guidance.
However, it is crucial to understand that mentors might be unanticipated individuals. Mentors need not invariably be older professionals at the zenith of their careers. As Ashley Herd, the founder of Manager Method, expounded, seeking advice and leadership does not always necessitate looking “up.” In her video, Ashley delved into the dynamic yet unorthodox world of mentorship, suggesting that an “assistant” could sometimes make for a more apt mentor than a “chief.”
These non-orthodox patterns of mentorship thrive on a diversity of perspectives, with individuals at the same or lower levels often offering unique viewpoints that may be missed by those in higher authority positions. Creating personal connections regardless of rank and demonstrating leadership irrespective of title can further help build robust mentoring relations. Emotional intelligence can also be vital for a mentor to provide excellent advice, with empathy and the ability to relate to others playing an invaluable role.
Recent LinkedIn posts by Lisa Lang, an in-house lawyer and thought leader, provide a wealth of insight into rethinking traditional mentorship.”‘, ‘