Mentoring is an increasingly popular tool for supporting an individual's personal development within an organisation.

A carefully structured mentoring programme can bring a number of benefits to the organisation including building relationships across the company, identifying any skill shortages and increased staff motivation. Staff can feel valued and learn to take increased responsibility.

One key point to consider when implementing mentoring, is who are you going invite to be a mentor? They should be senior and successful but of course not intimidating or unapproachable!

Many people think that they would make a good mentor but it requires advanced interpersonal skills to do it well. An effective mentor shows a desire and willingness to give up their time to help others as well as having a strong interest in their own growth and self- development.

Mentors need to empower their mentees and encourage them to take calculated risks in order to achieve their goals and to also offer guidance on recovering from any setbacks.

A happy mentee is always a positive sign of a good mentor!

Mentoring guru Mike Pegg, suggests following a structured model for a mentoring session.

With his model, mentors encourage people to focus on the 5 C's. Questions are answered at each stage of the process, each one in turn moving the mentee forwards.

1. Challenges - what are the challenges facing the mentee?
2. Choices - what possible options are available to overcome these challenges?
3. Consquences - the consquences of taking each of the choices identified are discussed by the two parties.
4. Creative Solutions - this is an opportunity for the mentor to share their wisdom and experience and offer the mentee some further solutions.
5. Conclusions - the mentee decides what they will do next, making a commitment to action.

The 5 C model is very effective because it underpins the philosophy that "where there is a way there is a will."

Fundamental to any mentoring relationship is a strong degree of trust and mutual respect. Mentees should understand that their comments will go no further - and they must never feel that anything they say will be repeated or make them feel compromised in any way. Confidentiality is key.

Want to learn more ...?

Now with over 36 Rapid Results® 90 minute training sessions available, these lively and interactive sessions are packed with tips and ideas to really get your people switched on! Click here for more information on bite-sized learning that sticks!

Next Month ... Presentation Skills