Mentoring in Architecture
January is National Mentoring Month. The core of what Next Great Architects stands for is mentorship and was founded to be the resource for those pursuing architecture who need support. The people that typically pursue architecture are those who have a connection to the profession and thus have a built-in mentorship before their journey begins. Next Great Architects is a teaching studio that introduces architecture to those who otherwise would not have access and nurtures them through college and licensure. Since 2014, the award-winning teaching studio has impacted more than 5,000 students and young people. Mentoring is a necessity for any profession to advance, and architecture can benefit from more active mentoring.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a centuries-old concept that has evolved from the one-sided benefit of the mentee to the equally valuable relationship between the mentor and the mentee. Mentoring has also evolved from the one-on-one interaction of the experienced and the emerging. There are many levels, types, and benefits of mentoring. Determining the right mentorship will yield the most productive advancement and achievements for the parties involved. The most successful people have a mentor, and the most fulfilled people are mentors. If the consideration of mentoring is ever uncertain, there are at least five benefits of mentoring to provide clarifying confirmation.
What are the benefits of mentoring?
Mentoring is a mutually beneficial experience for both the mentor and the mentee. Most people are aware of the benefits for the mentee. In architecture there are at least five benefits of mentorship:
Bridging Knowledge and Expertise for Wisdom
In architectural mentoring knowledge and expertise are possessed by both the mentor and mentee. The mentor can offer their experience and the mentee can offer their perspective. Wisdom is the result of the respect of both the mentor and the mentee. When a mentee can respect the experience, their perspective can adjust allowing a mindset shift advantage over their peers. When a mentor can respect the perspective of the mentee, their expertise can adjust to the change of times which is inevitable. Each party can benefit from what the other can bring to the table. The quickest way to damage a mentoring relationship is the lack of respect for the other's contributions. The knowledge of both experience and perspective can allow wisdom to manifest. The wisdom accumulated will accelerate the development of the mentee and mentor.
Accelerating Development
Professional development is accelerated due to the accountability of the mentor and mentee. Mentors provide insight to the mentee for progress. The mentee imposes accountability on the mentor because the mentor needs to ensure they are sharing the most appropriate tools and resources with the mentee. The mentor imposes accountability on the mentee through guidance and redirection if necessary.
Igniting Creativity
Creativity is the process of bringing the imagination out into the world for everyone else to experience. Mentors can provide encouraging feedback and resources to help generate the imagination of the mentee. The unlimited freedom of imagination of the mentee can inspire the creativity of the mentor.
Developing Confidence
Mentoring is foundationally the preparation of the emerging by the experienced. Through that process, the mentee is becoming more confident in their growth and the guidance of the mentor. The mentor becomes more fulfilled by seeing the growth and success of their mentee, and their confidence increases in their ability to mentor.
Expanding Connections
Mentoring is the start of building a relationship, and the impact the mentor and mentee have on each other will stay with them long after the mentorship experience. The mentor and mentee are now part of each other’s network.
What are the types of mentoring?
The most common types of architectural mentors are professional, academic, and personal. It is possible to have all types present in one mentor, however, multiple mentors addressing each type is also ideal. Personal mentors are typically people who can provide support and advice in all aspects of life, not just career or academic matters. In architecture, success relies heavily on confidence, creativity, communication, and collaboration. A personal mentor will focus on developing each of those characteristics that will create a trajectory of success academically and professionally. Academic mentors are typically educators who can help guide students in their educational endeavors. Studying architecture requires a strategy that includes a NAAB-Accredited Degree. An academic mentor can assist with building a strategy that allows the mentee to reach educational goals efficiently. Professional mentors are usually more experienced professionals who can offer advice and guidance in career development. When emerging professionals enter architecture, the most common struggle is the perception of career advancement. A professional mentor can help you advance on your terms while also managing the eager perception of career placements.
What are the levels of mentoring?
There are several different levels of mentorship to consider based on goal type and personality traits. The three main categories of architectural mentoring are one-on-one mentorship, group mentorship, and peer mentorship.
One-on-one mentorship is the traditional mentor-mentee relationship. This type of mentorship can provide the most focused interaction and undivided attention. This direct interaction requires a level of respect for the time of the other individual and the full commitment of each party.
Group mentorship is a community-focused mentorship that may have one or more mentors with a group of mentees that takes place in a group setting. This type of mentorship with multiple mentors allows the mentees to gain multiple perspectives on a range of topics. It also allows the mentees to develop within a community and increase their network. In architecture this studio approach allows the mentee to be inspired and motivated by their peers while also being guided by the mentor.
Peer mentorship is a type of mentorship that is similar to a mastermind community that takes place between two or more peers. In this mentorship, the peers can share their experiences, knowledge, resources, and skills. This type of mentorship recognizes the value of diverse thoughts, perspectives, and experiences. It is also a great networking opportunity. In architecture, this type of community takes place within design collaborations. The design team is composed of different professionals within the profession of architecture with similar experiences of different expertise.
There are other variations of levels of mentorship, but the constant factors in each level are honesty, trust, and respect.
What are the characteristics of a good mentor?
The difference between a great and a good mentor is a match of personality types. Understanding how people interact with others will help in selecting the best mentor. Some characteristics transcend personality and communication styles. A great mentor will possess at least seven qualities.
Trustworthy: A mentor should be a person that the mentee trusts and are comfortable with confiding. The absence of this characteristic will not produce a safe space or true growth.
Respectful: A mentor should respect a mentee's confidentiality, concerns, and perspectives. This will contribute to building trust and creating a safe environment for mentoring.
Honest: A mentor should provide honest and constructive feedback. The integrity demonstrated will promote accountability and benefit the mentee with a true environment for development.
Good Listener: A good mentor will take time to understand the mentee's goals and position to offer the best advice.
Patient: A mentor will make sure the mentee understands the perspective/advice by answering all questions and giving the mentee time to process. Patience shows the mentor cares about the growth of the mentee, which helps builds trust and creates a safe environment.
Knowledgeable: A mentor will have knowledge and experience in the areas in which they are assisting a mentee. This is how they can provide sound advice and guidance.
Motivational/Inspirational: A mentor should be able to motivate and inspire the mentee to keep moving forward to accomplish their goals.
How do you find a mentor?
Finding a mentor can seem overwhelming, but it is obtainable with a few tips:
Start with your circle. Ask your family, friends, professors, and colleagues if they know of someone who could mentor you.
Move to the profession. Research organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA), or Next Great Architects to see if they have a mentorship program that can connect you to a mentor.
Search the internet. Google is a search engine that can help lead you to resources for mentors.
Get social. Get involved in the community by attending networking events, conferences, and seminars.
Be bold and ask. If you need help crafting the proposal, download the Mentor Request Checklist and Examples for free.
Be creative. Some adversities can hinder all the above tips. Sometimes a mentor could be someone that has never met you, and they become your mentor because you study them. Read their books, and follow them on social media. Take notes if you see them speaking. Research them fully. And if you ever get the opportunity, go back to tip 5, and boldly reach out to them.
What if my mentor request is rejected?
First thing first. Be prepared for yes or no. Either response is a win because you will have a strategy for each response. If the answer is yes, you have a quick win. If the answer is no, you have a detoured win. You will thank the mentor for the consideration and then you will ask if they know of any they can refer you to as a mentor. If they refer you to a person, you are one step closer to your detoured win. If they say they don’t have anyone, you will thank them again and wish them well. You are still on a detoured win. After that, you work to stay connected to the mentor. Send messages of congratulations for awards, life milestones, well wishes for holidays, etc. This will help to build a relationship and keep your name at the top of their mind. When an opportunity arises, your consistency may land your name coming up and then you will have your win.
There are many reasons why a potential mentor would say no. They may not have the time. They may be going through a personal matter. They may feel like they don’t have the right expertise. Never take a no personally. It is better to receive a no to your request than for you to have a disappointing mentorship experience and a tainted relationship.
Remember this: A closed door is the redirection to a detoured win. So before you make the request, understand that any response is a WIN.
Do you need help asking someone to be your mentor?
Click HERE to get the FREE Mentor Request Checklist.
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