Building & Sustaining a Meaningful Mentoring Relationship

Building & Sustaining a Meaningful Mentoring Relationship Dr Tim Baker www.winnersatwork.com.au

Think of a great mentor you have had during your career (either formal or informal). What did they do that got you so engaged?What did they give you that you did not get elsewhere?

Platinum RuleTreat others the way they want to be treated

Coaching focuses on achieving specific workplace objectives usually within a preferred time periodCounselling is an area of advice and assistance that in most instances centres on helping with personal problemsMentoring is a useful adjunct to coaching, specifically in providing career guidance and long-term support, as opposed to the relatively short-term and performance-related purpose of most coaching.

Coaching & Mentoring

How do you know the mentoring relationship is working? ReciprocityMutual respect (not liking)Clear expectationsPersonal connectionShared values

Poor communicationLack of commitmentPersonality differencesPerceived or real competitionConflicts of InterestMentors lack of experience

Ask; dont assume!

Sometimes it doesnt work! Sometimes the chemistry is not rightCall it off ASAP if thats the caseA rematching may work better

How do you get the best from your mentor? (mentors to answer)How do I get the best out from your mentee? (mentees to answer)

Kolbs Learning Styles Model

Theoretical interestsCombine diverse ideasCreate modelsAnalytical/InductiveAsks: What do I have here?Generates ideasWorks well with peopleShares ideasVery involved with learningAsks: Why? or Why not?Take risksFocus on doingAdapt well to changeLike new experiencesIntegrate application with experienceAsks: What will this become?Want concrete answersPrefer to work with things vs. peopleLike hands-on experiencesWant answers quicklyAsks: How does this work?

Uses of Learning Styles

CoachingProblem SolvingThinkingIdea generationCareer Development

Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument

Hermann Brain Dominance InstrumentBreak into four groups

Resolve this problem as a group: You have been given two movie tickets to give to team members. However, you have three team members. Who do you give the tickets to? How do you decide?

Whole group must agree?

Observer watches process & records three examples of behaviour exhibiting that thinking style.

GROW Mentoring ModelJohn Whitmore

GoalWhat is the end result you are after?How will you feel when it is completed?How will you benefit and be better off?Do you have a clear picture of your outcome? What are barriers getting in the way?How are you feeling about this situation?How long has this situation been going on?Who is involved besides you?

What options have you explored?What other options are open to you that youve thought about?What support can you call upon?In the worse case scenario, what could you do to help the situation?

RealityOptionsWay ForwardWhich of these options we discussed make sense to you?Whats the first thing you need to do after our meeting?How are you feeling?How will you know you are making progress?

Group Exercise

Group Exercise

Platinum RuleTreat others the way they want to be treated