How to successfully mentor in projects

This guide helps both existing and prospective mentors and mentees understand the complexities of mentoring within project environments and how to apply it effectively to support professional development. To help support project professionals in mentoring, this guide covers:

• The nature of mentoring by highlighting that there is no single definition or best practice for mentoring, as it encompasses various facets, such as the differences between personal and professional development, and mentoring versus coaching.
• The benefits of mentoring and how mentoring contributes significantly to personal growth, professional competency development and unlocking a mentee’s potential. Additionally, the guide highlights the mental health and well-being benefits of mentoring.
• Common challenges in mentoring and addresses potential barriers such as personal misconceptions about experience, seniority and age, which can deter individuals from engaging in mentoring.
• Effective mentoring techniques and tools and outlines various strategies to enhance mentoring relationships, including participating in formal mentoring schemes within the workplace. The guide also encourages the use of digital tools, social media and AI to facilitate mentoring. Additionally, it introduces structured mentoring models such as GROW and emphasises the importance of key soft skills, including empathy, active listening, effective communication, and self-reflection.

By addressing these aspects, the guide equips project professionals—regardless of their position, age, or experience—with the knowledge and tools needed to engage in meaningful and successful mentoring relationships.

ISBN: 978-1-913305-44-4
Price: £8.00
Available to buy in A5 and free download for APM members 
Author: Spencer Hobbs
Spencer Hobbs is an experienced project professional currently working in AECOM’s Programme Advisory business line. His areas of expertise include programme and project leadership, team development, mentoring, project controls, senior stakeholder engagement and business case development. Spencer brings significant delivery experience, particularly within infrastructure across different sectors in both the public and private sector. He’s an APM Fellow and is a previous recipient of the APM Project Professional of the Year award.