Seek some MENTORS

If you cannot see where you are heading, ask someone who has been there.

        Mentoring is a learning and development partnership between a trusted and experienced person and someone who is keen to learn.       

        It can be a good way to train a new worker and give a satisfying job for an old  experienced worker but it can be a good way to train people for senior management positions.

        Mentors don’t have to be senior workers. Much can be learned from “experienced hands” – people who have been around for many years.

Mentors may save organisations from making unwise decisions and expensive mistakes, but it can be time-consuming way to train.

A Handful of Tips to help you find some good mentors

  * Select people you enjoy talking to

        It’s best to select a mentor you have things in common with.  

        Both must be keen and have the time.

        One objective  should be to encourage mentees so they are prepared to take on more responsible roles, to take a few risks and get things done.

        Mentoring basically is about sharing experiences.

        It will help both parties build their confidence and encouraging them to be successful.

* At the start don’t be in a hurry

        First chat and build a rapport. 

        At the start mentor and mentee must be compatible and realise both have to contribute. Chat and establish interests and ambitions and try to establish  good relationship.

        Discuss the role, the rules and the times of meetings. Arrange a quiet, private place to meet.

*Plan the topics to be discussed

        Set an agenda.

        Try to share not only work experience but personal counselling and office politics.         Housing, travelling and family affairs can influence work activities, so these should be discussed openly.

        It’s essential to keep discussions between parties confidential.

* Mentoring is a two-way activity

        A mentor must be a good questioner and a good listener.

        The mentor should teach more practical skills based on many years of work. 

        Mentors must be prepared to listen and learn as well as giving advice and counselling.

        The mentee can contribute to the discussions by giving their ideas and views and their interpretations of work activities.

        They can share their thoughts on future developments and the use of new technology.

* Be a good example

        To be credible a successful mentor must set high standards at all times.

– Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz) 

“Both parties must be honest, objective with their comments and prepared to learn.

SOURCE: “Training Secrets” Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com.

For those in need, download our FREE book “NO JOB! WHAT NOW?”from mossassociates.co.nz