We all Need a Mentor and Feedback-A Management Lesson from Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

For non-Christians out there, this book may baffle you with the doctrine intertwined in each paragraph. But, regardless of the religious foundation, one can pick up how Screwtape helped mentor his nephew, Wormwood, as a newbie in the temptation field. 

The book consists of letters sent by an experienced tempter to his nephew, who is fresh blood assigned to pull this young man, they called a patient, down in the depths of… sin. Screwtape’s letters provided the newbie tips and tricks to excel in the field of temptation works with a patient that kept slipping through his fingers.

The book was written in defense of the Christian faith. For me, it is also a critique and attack on the shallow and calloused beings Christians have become, an image of Christianity we know today (even if the book was written in 1942). In retrospect, the book sheds light on what should matter to a believer.

Despite the plot and its ties to Christianity, I have come to look at the relationship between Screwtape and Wormwood not as mere uncle and nephew but as mentor and mentee in the temptation industry.

The relationship makes one wonder if Screwtape was an effective mentor to the newbie. And reminded me of my newbie days in the corporate world.

Graduating from Management Trainee to an Assistant Manager, I was taught the importance of mentoring and effective feedback in an organization. Even after the readings, the exams, and the workshops, the real deal felt like the Upside Down. 

I received nothing or very little of the like.

You would be lucky to be in such an ideal environment.

Anyone new in an organization (even if you are a senior manager), starting a new career, or even a fresh graduate would benefit from an effective mentoring program.

According to this Forbes article entitled: “Improve Workplace Culture with a Strong Mentoring Program,” mentoring helps improve satisfaction on the job and even retention. Aside from that, Mentoring helps in the personal and professional development of both the mentor and the mentee. 

Screwtape not only helped Wormwood as his nephew, but he put himself in the situation of his nephew to help him meet his goals. Something a good mentor would do for you. 

Assuming the position of a mentor is a huge responsibility and not just one you do when a new employee joins the organization for a few weeks. Screwtape took it upon himself to be there for Wormwood every step of the way. Despite their profession, this was something I would deem commendable.

With the strong Mentor-Mentee relationship between Screwtape and Wormwood (aside from their blood relations), Screwtape gave Wormwood the facts flat out. He did not sugarcoat the consequences of Wormwood’s folly nor brush off any mistakes. Screwtape reprimanded as necessary and timely as possible. These are attributes of effective feedback as enumerated in this Entrepreneur article entitled: “5 Steps for Giving Productive Feedback.”

Screwtape missed the former with very little praise but was very effective with the latter, pointing out specific examples of Wormwood’s mistakes and providing solutions or alternative courses.  

With the honest feedback, Wormwood knew exactly what would happen to him at the end of his botched job. 

After reading through the book, I realized how the lack of a mentor and any form of feedback would have left Wormwood naïve of the entire nature of his profession. 

I see now how the lack of these people management tools in my previous workplace has pushed me to leave my post without a clear goal in mind. 

You can be in an organization for years and years and not have clear visions of your future. Feedback and an effective mentoring program may help you process your burn-out and understand your feelings of stagnation instead of merely resigning. 

The next time I start a new position, I would be keener to look for and appreciate a mentor and regular, consistent feedback. Something I hope you would look for in your new job as well.