Mentoring

 “Helps and supports people to manage their own learning in order to maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance, and become the person they want to be”

Parsloe, E., (1992) Coaching, Mentoring and Assessing: A practical guide to developing competence.

  
Many of us have had the benefit at some time in our lives from having someone with whom we can discuss our plans, hopes and issues that may be holding us back from moving forwards in our personal and/or professional lives. An effective mentoring programme provides exactly that, however, any mentoring programme whether it is a one to one or a group programme requires careful planning with clear objectives from the outset.

  • Mentoring can be the key to offering a different perspective and can help with setting goals and defining how to achieve them.
  • Mentoring enables individuals to challenge their assumptions and in turn helps to enhance their own career, professional development and outlook on life.
  • Mentoring helps to motivate when the going gets tough and encourages persistence when otherwise there may be a tendency to give up on a task or set of objectives.
  • Mentoring is of great value supporting individuals through difficult career transitions.
  • Mentoring is a process where the relationship between both parties is crucial to the success of the outcome.
  • Mentoring compared to Coaching is often more longer term, providing support, guidance and at times, is more directional in its approach.
  • Mentoring can focus on professional development where knowledge and experience is shared particularly if it is felt that the individual will benefit from this type of directive input.

  • Mentoring is concerned with continuing personal as well as professional development.

    Individual Benefits  

  • A fresh perspective 
  • Provides support to isolated individuals and acts as a sounding board for concerns and ideas
  • Helps progress through specific roles
  • Challenges and influences attitudes, assumptions and professional outlook
  • Promotes encouragement, goal setting, motivation and builds on individual self esteem
  • Improved self confidence & assertiveness

Organisational Benefits

  • Enhanced communication between management tiers
  • Encourages open communication throughout the organisation
  • Endorses a culture of ongoing internal professional development
  • Maintains & develops a working environment that endorses positive change
  • Promotes & supports organisational change
  • A positive impact on performance

 Setting up a Mentoring Programme

The first stage would be to identify the objectives and goals to be achieved through a mentoring programme - these would be discussed and clarified at an initial face-to-face meeting. Time scales and frequency would be agreed and a tailored programme is then designed taking into consideration availabilty and preferred method of working. Mentoring can comprise of a combination of face-to-face meetings, e-mail and telephone contact which can be beneficial in terms of ensuring impromptu contact in between meetings.

To find out how a mentoring programme can benefit you, your staff and your business please call Jeremy Ornellas on 01273 725510 or click here to e-mail.