10 years ago…
In 2013 I had the first time the opportunity to participate as a business mentor in the OUISSAL project in Tunisia. Now, in 2023, I will be returning to Tunis end of October to support a female Tunisian founder as mentor for the next twelve months. I’m super excited about this opportunity and this time I’m bringing ten additional years of experience to the table which hopefully will be useful.
More than anything, I’m looking forward to meeting those amazing women with their stories, making connections that last, exchanging, laughing, learning and exploring.
What is OUISSAL?
The name "OUISSAL" itself holds significant meaning. It's derived from the Arabic word "وصال" (pronounced "ouissal"), which translates to "connection" or "bridge." This reflects the goal of the German-Arab mentoring program: connecting women entrepreneurs and female executives for a joint learning process and intercultural exchange.
The program was initiated more than ten years ago by the Euro-Mediterranean-Arab Association (EMA e.V.) and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. I participated in that very first program in 2013 and it was an amazing experience where I learned a lot and made wonderful connections.
The aim of Ouissal is to promote economic and social participation of women in their home countries and their international networking.
The programme selects around 100 women entrepreneurs from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Germany, who work together in tandems over the course of a year on the implementation of the mentee’s business plan or further business and career development.
What Is Mentoring Good For?
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Mentoring is an invaluable tool for personal development. It provides you with a safe space to explore your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Your mentor can help you identify areas for improvement and guide you in becoming the best version of yourself.
Career Advancement
In the professional world, mentors can be instrumental in your career growth. They offer insights into your industry, share their network, and provide guidance on how to navigate the corporate landscape. A mentor can help you set clear career goals and develop a roadmap to achieve them.
Knowledge and Skill Enhancement
Whether you're a student or a professional, having a mentor can accelerate your learning curve. Mentors bring their expertise to the table, offering you valuable insights, advice, and resources that can help you acquire new skills and knowledge faster and more effectively.
Networking Opportunities
Mentors often have extensive networks in their respective fields. By having a mentor, you gain access to this network, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and connections that can benefit your personal and professional life.
Confidence Building
Sometimes, all we need is someone to believe in us and provide encouragement. A mentor can boost your self-confidence, helping you overcome self-doubt and fear. They serve as a sounding board for your ideas and a source of motivation when faced with challenges.
Accountability
A mentor holds you accountable for your goals and actions. Knowing that someone is watching your progress can be a powerful motivator to stay on track and take responsibility for your personal and professional development.
Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
Life is filled with challenges and conflicts. A mentor can offer guidance on how to navigate difficult situations, manage conflicts, and find effective solutions. Their experience can save you time and stress in resolving issues.
Life Balance and Well-being
Mentoring isn't limited to professional growth; it can also help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Mentors can provide advice on work-life balance, stress management, and personal well-being, ensuring that you lead a healthy, happy life.
Reverse Mentoring: A Two-Way Learning Experience
In reverse mentoring, the roles are flipped, with the less experienced or younger individual taking on the role of the mentor, while the more experienced person becomes the mentee. This dynamic brings its own set of benefits and opportunities.
1. Bridging Generational Gaps: Reverse mentoring allows for the exchange of knowledge and insights across generations, helping bridge generational gaps in the workplace.
2. Technology Proficiency: Younger generations tend to be more tech-savvy, while older generations may not be as familiar with the latest digital tools and trends.
3. Fresh Perspectives: Younger mentors bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. They challenge conventional thinking, encourage creativity, and inspire innovation.
4. Diversity and Inclusion: Reverse mentoring fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion. It acknowledges that everyone has something to offer, regardless of age or experience.
5. Mutual Growth: One of the most intriguing aspects of reverse mentoring is that it benefits both parties involved. While the mentee gains valuable insights and knowledge, the mentor also grows through teaching, leadership, and the satisfaction of helping someone else succeed.
6. Increased Engagement: For younger employees, having the opportunity to mentor someone more senior can be incredibly motivating and engaging.
7. Building Stronger Teams: When individuals of different ages work together, it enhances teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and effective workplace.
So, do you really need a mentor?
While the answer ultimately depends on your personal and professional goals, it's clear that mentoring can offer a multitude of benefits.
More than anything, it is a two-way learning experience can lead to more inclusive, innovative, and harmonious environments in both professional and personal spheres.
Conclusion
Participating as a mentor in the OUISSAL Project ten years ago has been an incredible journey that goes beyond professional growth—it's been about the profound personal connections and lessons that touch both my heart and my professional practice, making it more empathetic and human-centered.
I can’t wait to see what kind of experiences the new program will bring into my life.