Mentoring

What is Mentoring?

It is a relationship that gives people the opportunity to share their professional and personal skills and experiences, while providing growth opportunities for both the mentor and the mentee (protégé).

Is mentoring one of those "here today gone tomorrow" pop management things? Actually, the concept of mentoring comes from the time of the Trojan War (that was about 2,700 years ago)! When Odysseus shipped out to lead his troops into battle, he solicited the assistance of a friend to look after his family and help with the development of his son, Telemachus. Who was Odysseus' friend? A gentleman named Mentor.

What qualities should I look for in a mentor?

Someone with greater experience and knowledge than you possess;
Demonstrated "people" or "soft" skills, and a progressive management style;
Trustworthy (this is very critical to mentor/mentee relationship).

Questions that you might be asked by a potential mentor:

Why do you want a mentor?
Why do you want me as mentor?
How can I help you (what is it in my background, experiences or knowledge that interests you)?
What are your expectations regarding this process?
How much time will we spend on this?

Your answers to these questions will set the tone for the mentoring relationship... and they can encourage or "scare away" a potential mentor.

How much time will it take to be in a mentor/mentee relationship? Although this really varies depending upon what is agreed to by the mentor and mentee, in the beginning it is usually good to set aside 1-2 hours every other week for a private meeting; it is also advisable to agree upon a timeframe for accomplishing the mentee's goal(s)... six months, one year... during the first mentor/mentee meeting. Setting shared expectations increases the likelihood of a successful experience.

Will having a mentor really benefit me? Having the right mentor can be a benefit to you -- a mentor can help you to increase your skills and knowledge, enhance your career and your opportunities for promotion, help you to better understand your organization, let you know about the unwritten rules and "culture" of your organization, and so much more!

Tell me more about mentoring! Keep checking back to this website for future information regarding training opportunities, group meetings, and the development of the County's "Coaching and Mentoring Network".