Mentoring is a wonderful low, or no, cost way to build capacity. Generally pairing a more seasoned professional with a more junior one, Mentoring is continuing to make a comeback in terms of being a useful development modality. It’s a wonderful cross-generational tool as mentors often learn as much as mentees or protégés, the person being mentored.
Today’s post looks at 3 keys for good matching. What we know about the most successful mentoring matches is that mentors and proteges are matched well in terms of what the mentee is looking for, and what the mentor can offer. Depending on the type of program this may be related to a specific job function, or industry experience, or a combeination of leadership competencies the protégé is looking for. Those responsible for pairing will want to think carefully about how the pairings are completed, and what people should do if they don’t perceive a good match. Setting up the expectations around matching go right back to the recruitment stage so make sure everyone is clear how matching will be undertaken and what people can expect.
Skills which the mentors bring also makes for a good partnership. IN addition to technical skills we know that mentors are appreciated when they listen and frame their support in terms of what the protégé really wants.The ability to ask good questions is also an important skil set to have.
Finally, pre-planning on both the part of the mentor and protégé also helps to make mentoring move more smoothly.
Prior to the first meeting it can be useful for each party to consider:
'Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Coaching Skills Training | Leadership Development | Teamwork
Growing Team Leaders, One Conversation at a Time(TM)
Contact us to discuss coaching or performance support for you or your team
Today’s post looks at 3 keys for good matching. What we know about the most successful mentoring matches is that mentors and proteges are matched well in terms of what the mentee is looking for, and what the mentor can offer. Depending on the type of program this may be related to a specific job function, or industry experience, or a combeination of leadership competencies the protégé is looking for. Those responsible for pairing will want to think carefully about how the pairings are completed, and what people should do if they don’t perceive a good match. Setting up the expectations around matching go right back to the recruitment stage so make sure everyone is clear how matching will be undertaken and what people can expect.
Skills which the mentors bring also makes for a good partnership. IN addition to technical skills we know that mentors are appreciated when they listen and frame their support in terms of what the protégé really wants.The ability to ask good questions is also an important skil set to have.
Finally, pre-planning on both the part of the mentor and protégé also helps to make mentoring move more smoothly.
Prior to the first meeting it can be useful for each party to consider:
- What they bring to the mentoring partnership?
- What they want to get out fo the experience. For example, portages hopefully will have specific goals they want to work on.
- What will they do when things get difficult or challenges emerge?
- What are their boundaries with respect to meeting times, location and frequency?
'Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Coaching Skills Training | Leadership Development | Teamwork
Growing Team Leaders, One Conversation at a Time(TM)
Contact us to discuss coaching or performance support for you or your team
RSS Feed
