Want to boost productivity and performance in an innovative, teambuilding way? In my experience, leaders who take real, actionable steps to support their teams’ wellbeing and growth see major results. And the latest research from Gallup backs that up.
One of the best, most cost-effective ways to do both is micromentoring. I’ve been using micro-mentoring for a decade, and it always works. By creating opportunities for team members to share insights, experience and advice with each other, it promotes a culture of mutual support and
cooperation, reduces feelings of isolation and increases social bonds within the team.
Here’s how to start:
Encourage team members to share their skills and strengths with one another in informal sessions. Unlike traditional mentoring, which tends to be long-term and hierarchical (usually senior employees mentoring junior ones), micro-mentoring is:
1. Inclusive: Any employee can be a micro-mentor, regardless of title or rank, because it’s based on specific expertise rather than seniority.
2. Easy: Sessions might last 15-30 minutes, focusing on quick advice or problem-solving. Whenever possible, tack it onto an existing meeting.
3. Skill-focused: The goal is to help employees develop or improve specific skills, such as how to give better presentations, use a particular software, or manage time effectively.
Other topics might include:
* Tips and tricks of time management
* Improving public speaking or presentation skills
* Networking tips or advice on building professional relationships
* Creative problem-solving techniques
* Personal productivity hacks or using organizational tools like Trello, Asana, etc.
* Wellness topics like mindfulness techniques or managing workplace stress
You can also ask your team members what skills they want to up-level and then ask for volunteers to teach on those topics. You could even ask team members to nominate other team members to teach skills they admire.
By integrating micro-mentoring into your workplace, you’ll create a more supportive, connected and empowered team environment, ultimately enhancing both individual and collective wellbeing. And, you give everyone on your team a chance to shine.
