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Tools to Deal with Controversial Issues

Session 3: Engaging in a Mentoring Relationships to Build Skills & Enhance Personal & Organizational Effectiveness

Emmett P. FiskeWSU Extension

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Overview of the Mentoring Process

What is Mentoring?

Why is it Helpful?

How does it Work?

Is it for You?

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What is Mentoring? Developmental relationship between a more experienced

mentor and a less experienced partner referred to as a mentee or protégé

Roles may include advisor, advocate, coach, guide, protector, role model, sponsor, tutor, etc.

Mentoring relationships can be informal (developing on their own between partners) or formal (via assigned relationships often associated with organizational mentoring programs to promote employee development)

Organizational mentoring normally involves new-hire mentorship and/or high-potential mentorship programs

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Why is Mentoring Helpful?

Builds Skills

Increases Personal & Workplace Effectiveness

Enhances Personal & Organizational Development

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Why is Mentoring Helpful?

Provides support for individuals

Contributes to career development

Greater job satisfaction

Increased personal and organizational productivity

Employment stability & employability

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If It’s So Great, Why No Policies or Procedures for Mentoring?

Resource Issues

Uneven Demand

Everyone Up to Eyeballs in Work

Colleagues Need to be Convinced of its Value

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How Does Mentoring Tend to Work?

Continuum of possibilities (formal assignments to informal partnerships)

Normally a time commitment (one year, with in-process assessments)

Often comes with organizational liaison(s) responsible for maintaining regular communication with the pairs (mentor-protégé)

Organizational liaison(s) assist in creating skill building experiences

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Is Mentoring for You?

How do you like to learn?

How much “support” do you need?

How much “ownership” of the process will you have?

Will you be recognized/rewarded by the organization if you do this?

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Next Steps: Magic Markers and Manila Folder Magic

Instructions: Write 1 – 2 word responses to each of the following questions. Use only one manila folder for each question. Write large and legibly. Pass folders to designated trainers.

What are constraints / hindrances for getting involved in a mentoring relationship?

What are the advantages / opportunities from getting involved in a mentoring relationship?

What kind of mentoring relationship do I want?

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Well Then, Let’s Get Moving!