If
you have ever been involved in a mentoring partnership, you know that it is not
only the
“student” who learns but also the “advisor.”
“student” who learns but also the “advisor.”
The
process has benefits for both.
The
advantages for the student are obvious. But those for the mentor are due to
what is called the protégé effect. This effect describes the additional
learning of the mentor when they are called upon to actually teach and have a
teachable point of view. As the “experts,” they need to review
their own understanding of the topic, fill in any gaps in their knowledge and
then try to explain the concept in simple terms to their learner.
Think
of how this protégé effect can be applied in the workplace to enhance the transfer of training. Pair up learners of new skills with those who have some
experience. The so-called mentors will review and reinforce what they know. And
the mentees will have a model to follow and coaches to keep them on track as
they practice the new skills on the job.
