|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
Avoiding Pitfalls in Mentoring Relationships Part III of III
| Guest post by: Misti Burmeister |
Article Overview: Mentoring
 |
Free Download - Communication Saboteurs: Egos By Misti Burmeister |
Avoiding Pitfalls in Mentoring Relationships Part III of III
In the March newsletter, I shared my story regarding my experience with a mentoring program through ABC Organization. In the April newsletter, I shared the first four tips for creating solid mentoring programs. The following is a continuation of that newsletter and the final part of this series. If you would like to first read Parts I and II, please visit the website.
The follow are the final four tips to consider when creating a mentoring program:
Tip Six: Support for Mentors
Many times, mentors come across situations with their mentee that they do not know how to address. Having a professional coach available to mentors for support is enormously helpful and assists mentors to feel supported in the mentoring process.
Tip Seven: Training for Mentees
Mentees must get training on how to be mentored and how to offer reverse (cross generational) mentoring.
As with their mentors, mentees can make assumptions about what it means to participate in a mentoring program and what they can expect. Some mentees might think their mentor is supposed to help them get a promotion or tell them exactly what to do. Many will not even know what questions to ask or how to ask the questions. Providing your mentees with training on how to best utilize their mentor, will remove the guesswork and help them get the most out of the program.
Tip Eight: Create a Solid and Specific Program
When people understand what to expect, they are more likely to get involved. Simply saying “sign up to be a mentor” without saying what it means to be a mentor, will leave people feeling confused and less apt to get involved. On the flip side, when you set out a specific program indicating exactly what both the mentor and mentee can expect, they will know what they are opting into. To get started, I recommend a program like the following:
• Mentors and mentees can expect to meet as a group four times per year on ___ dates for ___ time. Two of these meetings are half day trainings (how to be a mentor/how to be a mentee)
• Mentors and mentees are expected to meet for one-hour every month for one year
o Topics to cover in one-on-one mentoring meetings include:
Career planning
Challenges that mentees may be encountering
Individuals who may be useful business connections
Strategies for gaining exposure/experience
• The mentor program will end on X date with a final award/recognition program.
Tip Nine: Appropriate Pairing
While the mentee’s direct supervisor can provide guidance and certainly some mentoring, it is important that the mentor for this program not be the mentee’s direct supervisor. Instead, the mentor needs to be in a higher position than the mentee and in a different chain of command, when possible. The mentor needs to be in a position to provide ideas/suggestions, make introductions and provide support for the mentee. There is a great deal more freedom to share frustrations and gain important feedback when the mentor is not in a direct management position.
Tip Ten: Have Fun!
Mentor/mentee relationships can extend beyond work/career conversations. You might consider planning other relationship building activities such as lunch, golf, shopping, or whatever fits well with both of your interests. The intention is to create an atmosphere where the mentors and mentees can deepen their relationship outside the framework of career or work. People help people they like and a great way to build strong bonds between people is to create a space for them to get to know each other in a fun way.
Question of the Day: What will you do with your failure?
Transitioning New Employees Into the Workplace with Employee Mentoring Programs
Mentoring: A Key Strategy for Professional and Organizational Success
Winning Opportunities For Everyone Through Mentoring
A Better Way to Implement Mentoring Programs
|
About the Author: Misti Burmeister RSS for Misti's articles - Visit Misti's website Click here to visit Misti's website   The 7 Most Effective Ways to Recruit Retain and Motivate Your Youngest Generation Want to Skyrocket Your Career During This Recession Why Mentor How To Destroy The Bridge Between Generations Scoop 44 You Have To Be Hungry Part III of III |
Related Forum Posts
Re: Essential Leadership skills
- Vision
Values
Mission
Strategic Thinking
Decision Making
Communication
Team Bonding
People Development
Coaching / Mentoring / Guiding / Grooming
Presentation
Thanks
Robert
Patent information
- I'm also interested in Part 2. Thanks.
Business Women Peer Mentoring Spotlight
- Hi Ladies,
I had an idea on how we could really offer some support to one another here on the Forum.
I thought it might be fun if we invited one of the Ladies here to put her business in the spotlight. Then we could all have an opportunity to do a little Peer Mentoring.
After a specific length of time, we could then open it up for the next woman to present her business.
What do you think? Do you want to be the woman who gets some free tips first? If so, tell us your situation and we'll get started!
I'm looking forward to hearing what you think.
Warmly,
Tami
Patent Process
- Interesting to hear your experiences with the patent process - what's Part 2?
Re: Attention Age Doctrine
- Hi Andy,
So how did you find of "The Attention Age Doctrine" Part 1? And has following its guidelines yielded any positive results yet?
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: 
4 Building Blocks of an Effective Talent Management System
Simon Fuller Quotes
Lesson #3: “Tell ‘em quick and tell ‘em often”
Searching for the Stars: How Yang and Filo Took Their Business to New Heights
Salesperson Wimp-Out: I Need Help 
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
LEARNING TO HAVE FUN – EVERYDAY!
The Importance of Master Data Management (MDM)
Entrepreneurs and the “Oh! No!” Trap
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.