Mentorship Mastery

KATY KLESS

Marketing and Communications Manager, Ahtna Diversified Holdings

Business Development

Mentorship Mastery

Go from 0 to 360 in no time

entorship—it is happening every day, all around us, whether through intentionally focused programs or informal relationships to build new skills or obtain guidance.

What do you think of when I say “mentorship?” Initially, most people think it’s a formal relationship between a senior-level and junior-level in the same or similar field of interest. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution.” This approach is 180 degree, or linear learning.

What if we change the way we think of mentorship? What if, instead of looking at mentorship as a one-way street, we consider it a two-way street? Let’s face it, everyone has something to offer. For instance, you could have thirty years of experience and knowledge to pass along as a mentor; however, your protégé might have insight on how to do it more efficiently or with a new tool or gadget. Mentors should also consider being the protégé and learning from the relationship. Now, that is a 360 degree approach.

What Is 360 Mentorship?

Imagine a workplace where learning and growth are as essential as the blueprints and CAD drawings for our projects. In the architecture, engineering, and construction, or AEC, industries, staying ahead of the curve is par for the course; but reimagining the course, redefining—now that is innovation!

Introducing 360 degree mentorship, a transformative approach that turns the linear mentorship model on its head and ensures that knowledge and guidance flow in all directions.

This dynamic mentorship model allows the mentor to be the protégé and the protégé to be the mentor. It’s about dismantling hierarchies and fostering a culture where feedback and knowledge are exchanged freely among all levels—junior to senior, peer to peer, senior to junior, or if you work in a multidisciplinary firm, cross-discipline. Think of it as a mentorship kaleidoscope, reflecting a multitude of perspectives and experiences that enrich the whole team.

Ready—Start Your Engines

When seeking mentorship, you must first understand your “why.” What are you looking to get out of the relationship? What are your career goals? Is there a specific skill you would like to obtain? Once you have identified that, you will want to connect yourself with the people who have those skills or have traveled the road you are looking to travel.

If you belong to a professional organization like Associated General Contractors of Alaska, the American Institute of Architects, National Association of Women in Construction, Society for Marketing Professional Services, or others, ask if they have a program for you to join. It is likely free with your membership, and you already have a pool of like-minded professionals. If it’s not already something they offer (here is my shameless plug to get involved in the organization), jump in and make it happen! Offer to lead a professional advancement committee. I am a firm believer in that you get out of your membership when you put into it.

Set—Visualize the Course

Once you have identified your “why” and your potential match, it’s crucial to build rapport. Truly get to know each other. Spend the first couple of meetings asking questions and, more importantly, listening. Learn what each party wants to get from this relationship. Together define and document achievable goals and expectations.

GO! Pedal to the Metal for the Win

Time to put the plan into action. Consistency is key for a successful mentorship relationship, especially in the beginning. Set up regular check-in times. We all get busy, and each meeting does not have to be an hour over coffee. It can be a quick fifteen-minute call to check in. Give yourself flexibility and grace but try to remain consistent for each other. Remember, the intent is to take the 360 degree approach, so each party should be receptive to constructive feedback along the way. Define your key performance indicators and metrics to measure success. Use digital tools to track progress, notes, or action items to stay organized.

Follow the roadmap but know that detours and bumps in the road are bound to happen. Stop, refuel, change tires, and get back on that course.

Finish Line Celebration

High-five each other for the successes you have accomplished. Really, you should be celebrating the successes throughout the lifecycle of this relationship, not just at the end. Take a moment to look back at the original goals, identify what was accomplished, how the course changed, and what lessons can be documented for the next race. If done right, mentorship relationships can—and often will—last much longer than the original scheduled event. This relationship may be a lifetime friendship like many of mine have become. Know that as your career shifts and changes, new mentorships are encouraged for a well-rounded perspective.

Infographic illustrating the road to success

Post Race Interview

In the ever-evolving AEC industries, embracing a 360 degree mentorship can transform your career. It builds a robust foundation of continuous learning, professional growth, and innovation. So, take the leap, break the mold, and watch your career accelerate to new levels!

As the great Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Be that forever learner. Don’t get caught in the slow lane of complacency.

Katy Kless is a lifelong Alaskan dedicated to marketing in the architecture, engineering, and construction, or AEC, industries. As the marketing and communications manager for Ahtna Diversified Holdings, Kless has spent the last fifteen years working in the AEC realm with a unique perspective in all three aspects of the industry. She has participated in several mentorship relationships as a protégé that have developed into friendships and now serves as a mentor to junior marketers. She prefers the 360 approach to remain a lifelong learner. Kless is the 2024-2025 SMPS Alaska President, taking on her second term as a president, getting a mulligan for her COVID-19 year term.

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