MENTORING –               

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

        Mentors have played a major role in my life.

        They have helped show me the way and have given me the confidence to do things I didn’t think I could do.  They have been especially helpful when I have been a new worker in large organisations.

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

        It can be a good way to train a new worker and give a satisfying job for an experienced worker.

A Handful of Tips to set up a mentoring programme      

* Both parties must be keen to learn and share

            The objective should be to encourage mentees so they are prepared to take on more responsible jobs.  

        Mentoring basically is about sharing experiences and the steps needed towards a successful career.

        The dress code the history of people, and the organisation, is often a good starting point. 

* Chat and build a rapport 

        At the start mentor and mentee must be compatible and realise both have to contribute.

        Don’t be in a hurry. Spend time just chatting to find out each other’s background and experience.  Just chat and establish interests and ambitions, and build a rapport.

        Both parties must agree to be honest and objective with their comments.  

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

        It might be just a cup of coffee together periodically, or it could be formal meetings.

* Set an agenda

        It will be more effective if the topics to be discussed are planned.

        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 is 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 teaches more practical skills based on many years of work experience. 

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

        The mentee can contribute to the discussions by giving their views and interpretations of work activities. They can share their thoughts on developments and the use of new technology.

* Be a good example

        To be credible a successful mentor must set high standards at all times. It’s good if they can socialise with the mentee outside of working hours.

-Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz) 

“Make the time to thank the people who have made a difference

in your life.”

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 “NOJOB! WHAT NOW?”from mossassociates.co.nz