In formal mentoring programs, training for the participants is critical to the success of the mentoring partnership. Mentoring is an intimate learning relationship that requires intentionality to make it work. Too often I hear about programs that weren’t successful and have resulted in formal mentoring programs getting a bad rap. There are many benefits to formal mentoring programs however achieving the desired objectives of the program doesn’t happen by accident. In addition to a thoughtfully crafted matching process, training for the mentoring partners is critical.

The three primary objectives of mentoring training are setting the framework, establishing a foundation and developing relationship skills.

Varying definitions of mentoring exist as well as differing expectations regarding how to “conduct” mentoring to generate desired outcomes. Establishing a common framework for participants sets the context, parameters and expectations within which the partnerships will take place. The relational mentoring model I use is based on a mutual learning relationship where both mentees and mentors set goals for what they want to explore during the partnership.

The training establishes the foundation for the relationship, serving as a facilitated first meeting between the mentees and mentors. The mentoring pairs complete exercises and engage in dialog to establish points of connection, find alignment and discuss candidly how they want to design their relationship. This intentionality supports the pairs to achieve their desired outcomes.

The training strengthens the relationship from the onset through skills development such as connecting cross culturally, bridging difference, generating trust, effective communication and sharing feedback.

There are no guarantees that a mentoring pair matched through a formal process will find points of connection and take a mutually active interest in the relationship. What I do know is that training matters. It is a fundamental aspect of implementing a formal program that sets up the participants for success, on their terms.

An important aspect of career advancement is the establishment of a diverse developmental network which is defined as “a set of relationships an individual has with people who take an active interest in and action to advance the individual’s career by assisting with his or her personal and professional development.” -Higgins & Thomas, Constellations and Careers.

Accordingly, the best developmental networks are diverse across three dimensions: More »

When it comes to professional development, mentoring is a popular subject. Co-mentoring is about establishing mutually beneficial learning relationships among our colleagues and friends. Rather than look “up” in the organization or further “out” of our immediate network the way we typically do, we can also look at the people in our more immediate circle and become curious about what we can learn from each other. Co-mentorships add more diversity to our developmental network and that means more varied learning and growth.

Jone Rymer in her article “Only Connect” defines a co-mentorship as “a mutual mentorship of a pair of close, collegial friends committed to facilitating each other’s development.” More »

January is mentoring month. What a great time to devote some extra attention to the idea of mentoring and the mentors in our life. We’re at the beginning of the year when we are making our plans and setting goals for ourselves. Typically once these activities are complete we pat ourselves on the back for taking the time to set our course for the year. But wait! There’s one more step! Have you thought about who is going to provide support and guidance for you along the way? Who will be mentoring, coaching and sponsoring you as you move forward? Consciously designing our developmental network is a critical step in the process.

What is a developmental network?

According to David A. Thomas, a developmental network is “a set of relationships an individual has with people who take an active interest in and action to advance the individual’s career by assisting with his or her personal and professional development.” The key word here is relationships. More »