You’ve probably heard the Zen of Python say, “Explicit is better than implicit.” Great advice for writing neat code, right? But when it comes to mentoring software engineers, things get a little more interesting.
From my journey across health tech, startups, cloud, and AI projects in Canada and the US, I’ve learned mentoring isn’t just about formal sit-downs or feedback sessions. It’s also about the little things you do every day—your actions, your vibe, your way of handling curveballs. That’s what I call implicit mentoring—and honestly, it’s where a lot of real magic happens.
So, What’s the Difference? Implicit vs Explicit Mentoring
- Explicit mentoring is the stuff we think of first: scheduled chats, coaching sessions, giving feedback, sharing career tips.
- Implicit mentoring is sneakier but super powerful—just by being yourself and showing how you tackle problems, communicate, and collaborate, you’re teaching your team important lessons.
Why Implicit Mentoring Rocks in North American Tech Teams
Think about your own best learning moments. Chances are, you picked up tons just by watching how your seniors handled tricky bugs, tight deadlines, or tricky team dynamics. In a fast-moving place like Toronto’s tech scene or Silicon Valley, these unspoken lessons build trust and help engineers grow into confident, independent problem solvers.
For example, I once worked at a startup where the CTO didn’t schedule formal training sessions but inspired everyone by calmly leading during stressful deployments and treating everyone with respect. That everyday example made the whole team stronger and more motivated.
The Winning Combo: Blend Both Mentoring Styles
Great mentoring isn’t about picking one style—it’s about mixing both:
- Use explicit mentoring to guide, clarify goals, and celebrate wins.
- Use implicit mentoring by living the values and work habits you want your team to adopt.
Together, these create a supportive culture where engineers not only learn skills but also grow as thoughtful, confident teammates.
Quick Tips to Boost Mentoring in Your Tech Team
- Be approachable and open in your day-to-day chats.
- Share your problem-solving process out loud—let them peek behind the curtain.
- Encourage your team to try new things with your support.
- Offer timely, positive feedback regularly.
- Celebrate learning, growth, and teamwork.
Wrapping It Up: Mentoring Is All About Connection
Unlike writing code, where explicit rules rule the day, mentoring software engineers is about balance and connection. Across North America’s buzzing tech hubs, combining clear guidance with everyday example-building creates teams that thrive and deliver awesome software.
So, if you’re leading a team or aiming to be that go-to tech lead, remember: your everyday actions speak volumes. Pair them with honest, supportive conversations and watch your team flourish.
<(^^)> Here’s to mentoring that’s as dynamic and inspiring as the software we build!