One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring is watching mentees discover the joy of serving others. I remember mentoring a young adult focused solely on personal achievement. We spent months discussing career goals, skills, and personal growth.
Then, I invited them to volunteer for a local community project. Initially hesitant, they gradually engaged and began to experience the satisfaction of contributing to something larger than themselves.
By the end of the project, they shared, “I feel like I’m part of something bigger, and it changes how I think about my own goals.” That moment reminded me that mentoring is not just about individual success—it’s also about cultivating a heart for service.
The research on service in mentoring
Global research highlights the importance of service-oriented mentoring. The Search Institute reports that mentoring which emphasizes giving back fosters empathy, social responsibility, and leadership skills.
Serving others strengthens both character and community engagement, helping mentees see beyond themselves and recognize the impact of their actions on others.
Moreover, longitudinal studies show that mentees who engage in service-oriented activities develop stronger interpersonal skills, higher self-esteem, and a greater sense of purpose.
Mentoring that encourages community contribution creates a cycle of growth: mentees develop both skill and character, while communities benefit from their efforts.
Mentoring in practice
In the CHOICES framework, serving others aligns directly with the Service principle and supports Interdependence. Here are four practical strategies mentors can use to foster a service mindset in mentees:
- Identify meaningful service opportunities.
Explore volunteer roles, community projects, or mentoring opportunities for younger peers. Choose activities that align with the mentee’s skills, interests, and passions. - Participate alongside them.
When possible, join mentees in service projects. Shared experiences deepen connection and model servant leadership in action. - Reflect on the experience.
After each service activity, discuss what was learned, the challenges faced, and the impact made. Reflection helps mentees internalize the value of serving others. - Encourage ongoing engagement.
Support mentees in finding ways to serve consistently, not just as a one-off experience. Small, repeated acts of contribution reinforce the habit of giving back.
Mentoring that includes service teaches empathy, accountability, and perspective. It reminds mentees that personal growth and community impact are intertwined.
Mentors can share some of their own experiences of how community involvement helped shape their life journey, and taught them a variety of skills which have served them well in different areas of their lives.
Reflection challenge
Identify a service opportunity that aligns with your mentee’s interests or skills. Join them in the experience, or guide them in participation. Afterward, reflect together on what the experience taught about leadership, empathy, and personal growth.
Concluding thoughts
Mentors who encourage service help mentees realize that growth is not just about personal achievements—it’s about contributing to a larger purpose. Serving others nurtures character, perspective, and leadership, creating lasting impact beyond the mentoring relationship.
I will always be indebted to the numerous people who encouraged me to serve the local and wider community as a young boy—making small donations to help feed disadvantaged children; being a member of a small group that interacted each week with children from poverty-stricken areas, or gathering clothes or used toys to donate to struggling communities.
“Service transforms the mentor and mentee alike, shaping character and community.”—Robin Cox
Next week: The Ripple Effect: Paying It Forward Through Mentoring.
Cover photo by Maria Thalassinou on Unsplash
