ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Advanced Professional Development

Advanced Professional Development

What is Mentoring?

Defining Mentoring

Mentoring is not a new phenomenon - The word 'mentor' comes from an ancient Greek Myth. Odysseus, a king and hero, set off for the Trojan Wars knowing he might not return for many years. Mentor was the wise helper and teacher Odysseus chose to guide the development of his son while he was away. (Foucault 1986)

Today in most organizations, some form of mentoring is going on somewhere, formally or informally.

Mentoring is a process of creating a supporting relationship that has benefits for both parties. A mentor will guide and support a mentee, often gaining new insights into their own operating style. A mentee will benefit from the support of a colleague who brings with them a higher level of experience. (Zajas 1994)

Forms of Mentoring

Mentoring can be formal in nature. For example, a mentoring program may be offered to participants as part of a leadership and management development program. This formalized approach to mentoring involves the selection, and matching of mentors with mantes, by the group who supports the program. (Jackson 2002)

Program guidelines are then established for the mentor/mantes, as well as resources to help identify career goals. A formal mentoring program also offers support to participants, and on-going monitoring of the program ensures outcomes are achieved. (NCIHE 1997)

Mentoring is NOT Counseling

Whilst there are many similarities between counseling and mentoring, such as exploring personal issues to increase self awareness and facilitating personal goal achievement, there are also distinct differences that a mentor needs to remain aware of in order to keep parties, the mentor and the mentee, safe. Mentors needs to work within their area of personal competence and refer to other professional parties when appropriate.

The key difference between counseling and mentoring is that mentors do not attempt to resolve deep underlying issues that are the drivers of low levels of motivation, low self esteem or poor performance. A mentor is primarily concerned with a more practical agenda such as assisting the mentee with setting goals, auctioning plans and navigating barriers that exist in their immediate environment. It is important that mentors watch for signs and symptoms that a mentee may be in need of referral to a counselor of psychologist. (Jackson 2002)

Benefits of Mentoring

Mentoring is widely recognized as a valuable personal and professional development strategy. Testimonials from in the tertiary sector also claim to have gained an enormous amount from an effective mentoring relationship.

Key Benefits of Mentoring Are

For the mentee:

• Broadens your network

• Reduces isolation

• Increases self confidence

• Increases ability to perform your role

• Grows self awareness

• Clarifies career direction

• Progresses career goals

• Develops skill & knowledge

• Helps avoid making mistakes

• Develops organizational knowledge quicker

For the mentor:

• Develops leadership and mentoring skills

• Provides an opportunity to contribute and a sense of satisfaction

• Extends your networks

• Raises your profile

• Provides recognition of your skills and expertise

• It is a chance to critically reflect on your current practice ...