When we think of mentoring, we often imagine formal sit-downs, hour-long conversations, or someone shadowing us for weeks. But mentoring doesn’t have to fit a single mold. In fact, the best mentors find ways to share wisdom in ways that fit them.
If you’re waiting until your schedule is clear or until someone “asks,” you might be waiting forever. And someone who needs you will miss out.
The Myth of the Perfect Mentor
Many people never start mentoring because they believe they’re not ready enough, senior enough, or qualified enough. Others believe mentoring only counts if it looks like traditional coaching: regular 1-on-1s, structured development plans, or leadership programs.
Here’s the truth: mentoring is about intentionality, not formality.
It’s about pausing to share what you’ve learned in a way that helps someone else grow. That’s it.
The best mentors that I have ever had weren’t formally assigned or requested. These were people who had something they knew I would benefit from and shared it with me. I am willing to bet the same is true for. you too.
Mentoring in Your Own Voice
We all have different capacities, strengths, and rhythms. The key is to leverage the channels that fit naturally into your life:
1. Writing – Like I do. When I write articles, I’m not just expressing thoughts, I’m mentoring. I’m trying to equip, encourage, and challenge others through written words. Writing creates scalable mentorship where one idea can impact dozens, even thousands.
2. One-Minute Moments – Whether it’s a quick text message, a thoughtful question during a meeting, or sharing an article from your favorite site (cough, cough), micro-mentoring matters. You don’t need a calendar block to make a difference.
3. Walk-and-Talks or Coffee Chats – Informal conversations often build deeper trust than formal meetings. Invite someone on your team to walk with you between buildings or grab coffee. Ask how they’re doing. You might be surprised what they share. This has always worked very well for me as I would go and talk to others, they would share all about their days, their hobbies, their goals, and eventually their guards would come down after they knew I cared about them.
4. Voice Notes or Video Messages – If you’re short on time but long on insight, record a quick voice note with encouragement or feedback. It’s personal, fast, and often more meaningful than email. This would even be a cool YouTube idea for some shorts on mentoring moments.
5. Shared Projects – Invite someone to co-lead something with you. It’s mentoring by doing and one of the most effective ways to grow confidence and skill.
Why It Matters
- Mentoring multiplies your impact. You grow others, yes, but you also create a culture of generosity and trust.
- It builds legacy. What you know becomes fuel for someone else’s journey.
- It sharpens you. Articulating what you’ve learned forces clarity and reflection. Both are signs of strong leadership.
A Quick Exercise: Find Your Mentoring Fit
Ask yourself:
- What’s a natural strength I could share?
- What format suits my personality and energy level?
- Who’s someone one step behind me who might benefit from a conversation, an article, or a voice note? How would they best receive my help?
Start there.
You Don’t Need a Title—Just Intention
Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being available, being thoughtful, and being willing to give. Find your way. Use your voice. Someone out there needs your perspective more than you realize.
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