By NICOLE FRIEND, ORT SA Cape
At the heart of ORT SA CAPE’s JET mentorship programme lies an understanding that transformation happens in conversation.
As mentors and mentees meet in boardrooms and coffee shops across Cape Town, the true art of mentorship unfolds –changing lives through dialogue.
“I’ve trained myself to become an active listener,” explains Michael Sternberg, a veteran mentor whose years in business have given way to a second calling. “The most challenging part is concentrating intently and focusing on the main problem of the mentee.” He watches for subtle cues – body language, facial expressions, the fluency and relevance of responses – all vital elements in mentorship. This focus allows for transformation.
Seasoned business mentor Arnie Witkin comments that, “The mentee nearly always knows the answers – they just sometimes don’t know where to look.” His approach involves asking deep, penetrating questions – like “shining a light in a dark cave” – illuminating paths forward previously hidden in shadow.
The journey isn’t always straightforward. Leor Atie acknowledges one of mentorship’s primary challenges: “The limited time spent with a mentee means the ability to extract and discuss key issues isn’t always possible.” But even brief encounters may yield results. “Sometimes a different perspective or experience shared can really assist mentees in their decision-making process.”
The impact of these interactions can be life-changing. Witkin recalls a mentee whose personal and business challenges were overwhelming. “She thought she was operating at 5%,” he shares. However, by asking deep questions and shining a light on the evidence, she realised she was closer to 75% and that she had what it took to succeed. Within weeks, her confidence had transformed; later, she secured a business partner and investor.
The rewards for mentors themselves run deep. “After a lifetime in business, it’s been tremendously uplifting and fulfilling to contribute towards the positive improvement of others,” Sternberg comments. Attie echoes this sentiment: “It’s very rewarding when a mentee appreciates the time spent with them and seeing how one’s input can assist with their decision-making and clarity of thought.”
For mentorship to be successful, a safe, trusting environment is necessary. “Stress confidentiality before each meeting,” advises Witkin.
“The mentee must feel they are in an emotionally safe space.”
This foundation of trust allows the relationship to deepen over time. “As trust develops,” Atie notes, “the quality of the conversation generally improves.” Also, effective mentorship requires humility. “It’s all about the mentee – you must have no ego,” Witkin emphasises. Rather than offering direct advice, successful mentors share experiences and insights, allowing mentees to reach their own conclusions about the optimal path forward.
The ORT SA CAPE JET mentorship programme demonstrates that intentional, humble guidance transforms entrepreneurs and strengthens their businesses. Purposeful mentorship can have a profound impact on a mentee.
ORT SA Cape Jet http://www.ortjetcapetown.org.za
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