How to be mentored: Sarah’s story

Even the wisest of women tend to wait for a crisis before seeking out a mentor. That’s because we women are used to being on the giving end of caring relationships. After all, it’s part of our make-up. In our private relationships we comfort others. In the big wide patriarchal world of organisations, it’s different; we have to fit the masculine mould.

‘Why organisations spend so much time wanting half their work force to be like men, instead of really getting the benefit of the energy women bring to work, is beyond me – except of course that men are fundamentally frightened of women at work,’ says Dr. Paul Brown, consulting organisational & clinical psychologist.

In search of a mentor
If you are lucky, someone senior to you within your organisation or profession will offer to serve as your mentor. For men this is a common occurrence. For women this opportunity is less likely to present itself. Women who get to the top (of a department, or a firm, or become Prime Minister) by acting like men are likely to be very protective of their turf. Don’t approach that kind of a woman as a mentor. Find one who knows what it means to be a real woman, managing authority, power and other organisational resources.