“At times, I doubted my own skills… I overcame this by achieving Chartered Manager status”

Mentoring offers more than just professional benefits; it provides an opportunity for holistic personal development, according to Dr Naznin Tabassum CMgr MCMI, senior lecturer in strategy and leadership and programme leader for the MSc in management at the University of Derby. 

“Through guidance, deep encouragement, reflection and structured learning, mentoring can support the growth and development of the individual as a whole,” she says. All of which she has experienced through both her past and present mentors and the Chartered Manager accreditation process. 

“I have had mentors in the past and still have now,” she says. “Each of them has significantly influenced my career and holds a special place in my heart. They have listened to my goals, provided valuable guidance and helped me avoid unwise paths.”

Losing (and regaining) confidence

At times in her career, Naznin has faced tricky situations, such as people taking time to accept her leadership.

“I have encountered colleagues who have misinterpreted my efforts, responded rudely and made me feel guilty for actions I did not take,” she says. Some of these conversations, emails and messages were emotionally straining, leaving Naznin “upset and, at times, doubting my own skills and losing confidence”. 

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Through mentoring and earning Chartered Manager status, Naznin says she had the chance to overcome these situations and take on board feedback in a more positive way. 

“Reflecting on my practice while completing the Chartered Manager application was highly beneficial in terms of both identifying areas where I needed to further develop my skills, and recognising ways to improve how I manage both people and time,” she says. 

‘Exemplary mentor’

Naznin adds that she has always been keen on receiving feedback from colleagues, but becoming a Chartered Manager “enhanced” this for her. “Now I actively seek feedback on everything I do.”

Her experience with mentoring and reflective practice has also motivated Naznin to give back by mentoring and supporting her colleagues. And within the higher education world, mentoring also plays a critical part in her role as a teacher.