Setting up a Mentoring Program
My previous article introduced mentoring – its benefits and how it works. In this article, I want to outline a few points to consider when setting up a mentoring program within your organisation.
Image credit: Jonathan Velasquez
Questions to consider
- Do we have clear focus and direction on the learning requirements of the company?
- Who is to be involved in the mentoring program?
- Are we clear on the skills & experience required by mentors?
- Do we train internal staff to act as mentors or contract experienced external mentors?
- What resources do we need if a company is going to develop a formal in-house mentor training program?
The answers to these questions determine your next steps in the process of setting up your program.
Obligations of the mentee
As a Mentee you must ensure:
- That your intent and desire for change are serious
- That you are ready to work and receive feedback
- That you are willing to try new ways of learning, be truthful, keep to your commitments and inform the Mentor immediately when things are not working for you
- That you are willing to explore, challenge and change thoughts, feelings and actions that you recognise are self-defeating
- That you understand your Mentor will educate, support and encourage you while you do your work and reap the benefits of your efforts and successes
- That you are willing to give your Mentor the benefit of the doubt and ‘try’ new concepts or different ways of doing things
- That you recognise the value and worth the organisation is placing on you by investing in your personal development
Obligations of the Mentor
The Mentoring services to be provided by your Mentor are for professional development not therapy or counselling, and may address specific projects, business successes, or general conditions in your profession. The Mentor agrees to meet with the Mentee on a regular basis. The Mentoring service is confidential but for a few exceptions.
Christine Brown is founder and managing director of Potential Unlocked, a market leader in the design of management systems that meet compliance and business requirements. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (double major in Political Science and Public Sector Management); RABQSA Lead Auditor, DiSC 5 Behaviours of a Cohesive Team accreditation; Everything DiSC accreditation, TAE 40110 Cert IV Training & Assessment & TAELLN 411.
Due to her extensive knowledge and experience, Christine is trusted by her clients for her patience, understanding and her ability to interpret compliance requirements in a straightforward, uncomplicated way. She regularly facilitates in-house and public workshops, sharing her knowledge of designing simple processes and systems, communicating effectively as an auditor, building and leading teams, and risk management.
Christine’s clients range from small business and start-ups to large organisations and government departments. Covering a broad range of industries, her clients include Boral, BAE Aerospace, Geobrugg, Tenix, West Australian Police, and the Victorian Ambulance Service.
Christine’s new initiative, The Business Performance Program, assists businesses with all major areas of business that are essential for success
For any further information on contracting in an internal auditor to conduct your audits or auditor training please refer to more Audit Tips.
