Mentorship & Legacy

How SBI nurtures the next generation of leaders through mentorship and learning.

Do you know what silent mentorship is?  It is not a common concept.  Let me explain.  Its when you are not even aware that you are mentoring, when your behaviour is indicative of a mentorship mindset.

Over the years, I have been introduced as, this is “my mentor” and I attempt not to show any surprise! Since when?!  I had no idea that I was seen in a role I had not signed up for.  Now that begs the question, is that true mentorship?  Who knows? Who wrote the rule book?

If our behaviours ignite others and they learn from it, I believe we are informally mentoring.  As we view the ‘next generation’ in the workplace, they are not seeking mentors officially, they have access to media that gives them all the answers they need.  So.  How do we pass on what we have seen work to our emerging and aspiring leaders?  Could mentorship be as a source for content, wisdom and a context provider?

They don’t need us for information. They have AI, YouTube, and LinkedIn for that. But what they do need is something the algorithm can’t give them — wisdom, context, lived experience, discernment. That’s the new mentorship. That’s our role, but how comfortable are we within this role?

Our next generation seek authenticity from ”us” even if they do not live the value themselves, they talk about authenticity over authority.  They value how real we are.  And one of my personal favourites, social or psychological safety.  Are they able to fail and speak up? They want to embrace the technologies, but crave human interaction (online or otherwise).  They value integrity and values in action – not on a wall.

Therefore, in the evolution of leadership growth, mentorship becomes our greatest act of influence. It’s no longer about the title we hold, but the trust we cultivate. The question is: how do we show up as mentors in a world that needs guidance, not just direction? Our everyday actions — the way we listen, support, and challenge — become the blueprint for others. This is our living legacy. Mentorship isn’t about an impressive overture; it’s about consistent presence. If we’re not mentoring through how we lead, then perhaps we’ve misunderstood the calling of leadership itself.