Is a mentoring programme worth the investment in time? Alex Stone of Office Friendly shares his insights as a mentor in the BOSS NextGen Mentoring Programme

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Dealer Support

The latest instalment in the Industry Voices series shines a spotlight on mentoring in the workplace supplies sector, following the recent launch of the BOSS NextGen Mentoring Programme. This initiative, designed to connect experienced professionals with emerging talent, has already begun shaping the next generation of leaders.

In this feature, Alex Stone of BLOCC Group shares his insights as a mentor, offering a firsthand perspective on the benefits, challenges, and rewards of guiding new talent in an evolving industry.

“I have always sought out having mentors, I believe it’s a fundamental part of personal and professional development, and if I can give even 5% back of what I have been taught over the years, it will be worth it. The mentoring process should be quite straight forward really, set the boundaries of the relationship from the off. We need a clear goal for the mentee, and the mentor needs to be honest about how far they can take them on that journey. Then it’s all about organisation and accountability, keep showing up for each other and see where the programme can take you. In my previous mentor roles, I have taken as much out of the relationship as the mentee. For me, the role of a mentor is essentially to provide guidance and support.

The format and content of that support should be laid out by what the mentee is looking for. However, in my personal experience a friendship is often established and that role can often become a form of counselling and personal support. The next generation of business leaders don’t see ‘an industry’, they see an opportunity. They’re not burdened by preconceptions of what ‘business supplies’ is or was. They’re a reflection of their environment and the limited interaction they’ve had with an office space. So, they bring an abundance of diverse ideas and ways of interacting with customers, and the products and services they need.”

The Benefits of the Mentor/Mentee Relationship

For both, a new relationship and connection to grow and develop together to equally learn from each other.

For the mentor, if successful, the pride and satisfaction that you played a very small part in someone’s professional journey.

For a mentee, an independent unbiased source of information to give you outside counsel and keep you true to your goals and objectives.