Introduction
Definition
Mentoring is a development strategy through which two people agree to meet in order to intentionally develop each other.
A mentor is a trusted guide who has an interest in the protégé’s development and acts as a role model and supporter, sharing expertise, values, skills and perspective.
A protégé is an individual motivated to increase personal and professional growth by setting development goals, and being open to feedback and learning as a means to growth.
The MentorCore mentoring program is not a formally structured program and allows the protégé to design and lead the process. We believe this level of flexibility allows the participants to tailor the topics and discussions to best meet the goals and objectives of the protégé. Monthly discussion topics are provided as a resource for the discussions. The mentoring pair (mentor and protégé) will be introduced and provided an overview of the program at the start of the program.
Benefits
For the protégé:
- Provides access to extended professional networks
- Provides an opportunity to seek advice and guidance on specific competencies, skills and issues
- Increases confidence to take on new challenges
- Provides insight into what is needed to grow professionally
For the mentor:
- Provides an opportunity to share critical knowledge and experience
- Offers a source of new and diverse ideas, perspectives and styles
- Provides further opportunity and experience in developing professionals
- Increases awareness of challenges encountered by individuals at different points in their career
Participation
Mentoring is a voluntary, professional partnership and should be treated as such. It does not require previous experience in a mentoring program; however, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Mentor and protégé should meet virtually at a time that is mutually convenient. Suggested time is 1 – 1 ½ hours once per month.
- Both mentor and protégé completes the VIA assessment.
- Mentoring partnership plan is completed by end of 2nd meeting.
- The pair should meet monthly and may have contact more frequently depending on situation / arrangement between pair.
- Mentoring discussions should be based upon clearly defined objectives agreed to by the mentor and protégé.
- A mentoring relationship is generally confidential. No discussions should be repeated outside those meetings unless agreed upon by the participants.
- Both participants are committing to being a part of the program for a 12 month period.
Protégé Expectations
- It is the responsibility of the protégé to drive the relationship and schedule meetings.
- Protégé should prepare agenda and / or be prepared with discussion topics.
- Protégé should document goals and objectives to accomplish with each meeting and plan on discussing on a continuous basis throughout the year of the program (revising goals as needed).
- Strongly suggested the protégé attends other MentorCore events. These meetings are a great way to learn more and connect with community members who may have other talents or experience to assist with meeting the protégé’s goals.
Mentor Expectations
- A mentor should give the protégé undivided attention during a meeting. Be genuinely interested in your protégé as an individual. Learn about the protégé’s hopes and dreams to feel connected with them.
- A mentor should respond only to the developmental needs and goals of the protégé and not impose her own issues or concerns on the mentoring time. Offer your advice, but only if your protégé asks for it.
- If the mentor has not heard from or met with protégé in 3 weeks since last contact please reach out to protégé as a reminder to schedule a meeting.
- A mentor should be a positive role model and be genuine. Leverage your own experiences and thinking to provide the best answers for the protégé.
- Celebrate with the protégé and acknowledge achievements throughout the mentoring journey. Sharing as appropriate with the MentorCore team to allow both mentor and protégé to be highlighted in the community.
