Business leaders face multiple challenges that require strategic decisions, sometimes difficult. In this context, mentorship, which consists in benefiting from the support of a more experienced mentor, represents a solution to be accompanied towards success. Whether to face the solitude of decision -making, benefit from informed advice or develop key skills, mentoring plays a key role in the trajectory of managers.
The importance of mentorship in the career of a leader
Mentorship is a process of professional support where an experienced mentor, guide, guides and advises a mentoring, often a manager or an entrepreneur. Unlike coaching, which focuses more on specific and measurable objectives, mentoring is more global and focused on personal and strategic development. For a leader, this can mean support in crisis management, the development of new strategies or even reflection on the long -term vision of the company.
In a study conducted by the French Tech In 2023, it was revealed that 70 % of French start-ups with access to formal mentoring were more confident in their strategic decision-making. Indeed, a mentor offers an external and objective perspective, which can be a precious asset for entrepreneurs often taken in the daily whirlwind of their companies. Thanks to its experience, the mentor helps to avoid expensive errors and to see more clearly in moments of uncertainty.
Another study, conducted by HEC Paris In 2022, revealed that 85 % of managers who benefited from a mentoring program reported a significant improvement in their leadership skills, as well as better management of interpersonal relationships within their teams. These skills are very important for an entrepreneur, as they largely condition the long -term success of his business.
Make more informed decisions thanks to mentoring
One of the most precious aspects of mentoring is its ability to help leaders make more informed decisions. Entrepreneurs, especially in the first phases of creating a business, are often faced with complex dilemmas. They may find it difficult to distinguish long -term options from short -term choices, or correctly assess the risks associated with certain decisions.
An experienced mentor can offer new prospects and feedback that makes it possible to objectify decisions. The mentor can also play the role of “Sparring Partner”, in challenging the ideas of the manager, which makes it possible to strengthen strategic reflection. This type of dialogue has a direct impact on the capacity of managers to navigate in the sometimes tumultuous waters of business management.
A striking example of the impact of mentoring on decision -making is in the case of Drivya French start-up that revolutionized car rental between individuals. The co-founder of Drivy, Paulin Dementhonsaid on several occasions that his mentor, Jean-David Chamboredona leading investor and co-founder ofIsaiplayed a key role in his strategic reflection during the critical development phases of the company. Thanks to the support of Jean-David Chamboredon, Drivy was able to raise funds more effectively and make informed decisions concerning international expansion. In 2017, Drivy was bought by Gataroundan emblematic success that might not have taken place without this strategic guidance.
A lever to avoid the isolation of managers
One of the major challenges encountered by managers, especially in start-ups, is decision-making. Business leaders are often the only ones to have to assume choices, especially in times of crisis. Mentorship intervenes here as real moral support, offering a space to exchange confidence with someone who understands the challenges that the manager faces.
A study carried out by BPI France In 2023 showed that 65 % of start-up managers feel isolated in their role. This loneliness can cause stress, errors of judgment or a loss of motivation. Mentorship makes it possible to break this isolation, by offering a framework to discuss doubts, concerns and aspirations. In addition, it allows managers to strengthen their resilience, having access to advice on stress management and recoil.
Take the example of Lydiaa French pioneer start-up in the field of mobile payments. The CEO of Lydia, Antonin the Poperevealed in several interviews that his mentoring with experts from the financial and technological sector allowed him to overcome periods of great uncertainty. The support of these mentors allowed Lydia to diversify, structure its economic model and position itself as a leader in its field, while preserving a motivated and united team.
A personal and professional development accelerator
Beyond the benefits related to decision-making and moral support, mentoring is also a great accelerator of personal development. Indeed, a mentor allows the manager to develop transversal skills, such as time management, public speaking, communication or negotiation.
Mentors, with their experience, are often able to transmit knowledge and methods that they themselves acquired over the years. These lessons go beyond simple technical skills and make it possible to better understand global issues related to business management.
The case of Back marketa French start-up specializing in the sale of reconditioned electronic products, perfectly illustrates the impact of mentoring on the personal development of a manager. Thibaud Hug de Larauzethe co-founder and CEO, benefited from the mentoring of Jean-Baptiste Rudellethe co-founder of Criteo. This support allowed Thibaud Hug de Larauze to better understand the challenges of rapid growth and to develop skills in team management and communication strategy. Today, Back Market is a major player in the reconditioned sector in Europe, and its mentoring is an integral part of its success.
Dedicated programs and initiatives
France, with its dynamic start-up ecosystem, offers many initiatives to facilitate mentoring for young companies. Programs like The village by CAwhich offers personalized support for start-ups, or Station Fthe largest start-up campus in the world, offer experienced mentors from various sectors to guide entrepreneurs.
In addition, organizations like The movement of free entrepreneurs Or France Digital have implemented mentoring programs for start-ups, where renowned mentors help entrepreneurs to refine their strategy and overcome growth-related challenges. These initiatives have enabled many French start-ups to structure themselves, raise funds and grow internationally.
