Embarking on a career change from healthcare to cybersecurity, a transition that required me to learn new skills and adapt to a different professional environment, I’ve rediscovered the immense value of having multiple mentors. I was reminded of this recently after my first-ever coffee meet-up with someone I met on LinkedIn. Reflecting on my past as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), I recall the invaluable lessons I learned from working with various mentors.

The Pros

There was a time when I was a student ODP when I found myself working with different mentors due to an extended leave by my assigned mentor on my eight-week placement block. Initially, the situation was challenging, with each mentor having a unique approach. For instance, one mentor emphasised the importance of precision in surgical procedures, while another focused on the psychological well-being of patients. I grappled with confirmation bias and the overwhelming array of perspectives. However, this experience taught me to foster a curious mind and critically evaluate these perspectives. Here are the lessons I gleaned from this journey:

Shared Goal

When forming a circle of mentors, it is crucial to ensure they all have one shared goal. In my case, I was fortunate to find mentors who were passionate about patient safety and my professional growth. This is important, as having different mentors with different goals can be counterproductive.

Multiple Approaches to Achieving a Single Goal

I realised there is no right or wrong way to do things as long as they are safe for the patient and others. Having multiple mentors gave me a first-class seat at seeing all the different ways one thing can be done. To manage the diversity of approaches, I would carefully consider each perspective, weigh the potential benefits and risks, and then make an informed decision.

Critical Thinking Skills

The key to making the most of multiple mentors is to engage your critical thinking skills. With a plethora of perspectives and approaches, it’s crucial to evaluate them and form your own viewpoint. This process can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Adaptability

A significant advantage of having multiple mentors is that they help one to adapt and think on their feet when an unfamiliar situation arises. For example, when I encountered a complex anaesthetic case that required a unique approach, I could draw on my mentors’ diverse perspectives to devise a solution. Having a million and one ways to do things allowed me to try different approaches and find what worked best for a given situation.

The Cons

Of course, there are some downsides to having multiple mentors. I found myself at times overwhelmed and confused by the diverse perspectives. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking answers that align with our own thinking, a cognitive bias known as confirmation bias. This can hinder our ability to learn and grow, as we may dismiss or ignore perspectives that challenge our preconceived notions. However, by honing our critical thinking skills and fostering a curious mind, we can navigate these challenges.

Conclusion

Having multiple mentors can be beneficial if they have a shared goal and one exercises critical thinking skills. I’ve come to appreciate the value of having numerous mentors, and this lesson will serve me well in my new career. As the philosopher Alain de Botton once said, “The role of the mentor is to teach, to guide, to encourage, to admonish, to inspire, but above all else, to love their protégé.” I am grateful for the mentors who have helped me grow and learn, and I’m also excited to learn from mentors in my new career.