Mentoring Training

Mentoring Program

Establishing a successful mentoring program is reliant upon the following key points:

To begin, a determination of potential mentors and other complimentary members must be made. Next, long-term career goals of employees should be decided upon as well as where mentoring will prove beneficial to both the employees and the organization. In addition, the organization should determine if a mentoring program is even feasible within the constraints of itself. If so, discovering what departments of the organization will support the program will decide the magnitude of the program. Not only is it imperative to determine who is in support, but the depth of the support. For example, will the company allow sufficient time and location to develop their mentoring program? Another step is knowing who will benefit from the program. What level is the mentoring program designed for? And, what kinds of participants the program will be best served with. The type of mentoring program that suits the organization’s needs best should also be decided. A time frame should be set for the mentoring program to meet the set goals. Lastly, resources to gain support of the mentoring program should be researched and utilized.

It is important to present a clear business case to justify the need for a mentoring program. This may include an organizational rationale, expected outcomes, required staff, budget, steps and timeline, and the method for evaluation.

Step 1

Emphasizing the objectives of the mentoring program

In step one, participants should begin to know each other and get involved (hands-on) in the training. This part of the training should be similar to that of the first actual mentoring meeting. Focus on the different roles within a mentoring program and accurately defining and understanding each is important in successful completion of step number one. An interactive lively discussion would suit this level. This exercise provides practice in sharing information with another person and in helping that person share information with you. Those are key first steps in beginning a relationship. The exercise should also help participants think about some of the roles they play in life.

Step 2

Identify qualities of