The value of mentoring your juniors at the workplace

Mentoring junior officers is essential for both personal and organizational growth.

It supports individuals in reaching their full potential, fostering successful careers, and maximizing their contributions to the organization.

Ogolla Mjomba, director at Radio Yetu, emphasizes the importance of mentoring for knowledge transfer and skill development.

Reflecting on his own journey from teaching to being a radio presenter, he acknowledges that he wouldn't have progressed without the guidance of mentors. 

"Mentorship facilitates the transfer of knowledge and skills from experienced individuals to less experienced ones. It helps juniors avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their learning curves. When I switched careers, I was fortunate to find mentors who guided me through the challenges, and I promised to do the same," he shares.

He further highlights that mentorship enables junior officers to develop the competencies needed for their roles, particularly in high-stakes environments or when supervisors are unavailable, ensuring continuity of work.

Ogolla also notes that mentoring plays a crucial role in career development, helping junior officers set goals and make informed decisions. 

"When I mentor new graduates, I prepare them for future leadership roles, ensuring a strong succession plan. This helps maintain a pipeline of capable leaders within the organization," he adds.

Moreover, Ogolla underscores that mentorship contributes to employee retention, stating that he has mentored eight employees who started as interns. 

"When junior officers feel supported, they are more likely to stay committed to their roles, reducing turnover rates. This sense of belonging fosters loyalty and a positive workplace culture," he explains.

Eric Wanyama, a veteran in the theatre industry, also advocates for mentorship, noting that it helps build the confidence of junior officers and encourages them to trust their artistic talents. 

"When I joined the industry, I struggled to find mentorship in theatre production, as most options were focused on set books. I had to travel to Nairobi for training, which made me realize my potential. Since then, I've passed on my knowledge to upcoming artists," he says.

Wanyama stresses that mentorship helps young artists avoid common mistakes and equips them with soft skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. 

"Soft skills are crucial for teamwork and allow individuals to provide constructive feedback and engage in self-reflection, helping them navigate challenges effectively," he adds.

He also points out that career advancement is not solely based on technical expertise but also on the strength of one’s professional network and guidance from mentors. 

He encourages leaders to offer advice and support based on their own experiences to help juniors navigate their careers and increase their chances of success.