Mentoring is a two-way street

Inda Duminica, MBA, CRHA

HR Manager - BMC Software Canada

Thanks for ConFoo 2015!

A little bit about myself…

Basic assumptions

Not an exact science…

…personal observations, experiences and anecdotesNot a recipe…

… meant to provoke you to think further about the topic

Why mentoring?…

Let me introduce to you some of my mentorees…

Maguatte, Senegal – IT Project Manager Hoda, Iran – IT Product Manager

Marina & Joao, Brazil – Human Resources

A little bit about yourself?…

Some famous (movie) mentors…

Frequently used terms

• Mentor• Master

• Mentee• Mentoree• Apprentice• Protégé• Student

+

Mentoring 1:1, person-to-person relationship Learning through alternative means Experience-based; not about things you can learn from

books Happens during challenges/trying times Mentoree finds focus and strengthens inner skills Major gifts:

One’s time & attention Feedback (a.k.a. “tough love”)

Mentoring

Why GET a mentor?

To provide a more strategic view of your career To guide you through new professional experiences To give you advice in confusing situations To make you aware of your blind spots To focus a dedicated time on yourself etc.

… to accelerate your professional trajectory…

Why BE a mentor?

Personal satisfaction from helping others get ahead Best way to learn new things is to teach them Expand your own horizons; meet people outside your regular circles Position yourself as a candidate for special projects/promotions etc.

… to accelerate your professional trajectory…

Why MENTORING?

Pre-requisites for being a MENTOR

Having reached a certain level of mastery in a certain field Kind and open to others; humble and available Ability to tailor advice to individual circumstances and

abilities Ability to eventually let go Age is not a criteria

MENTORING - Conditions for success Personal chemistry Commitment on both sides Defined-term relationship Confidentiality Safe zone to experiment & go out of comfort zone Strategic choice (of both mentors and mentorees)

… fun and valuable experience…

MENTORING - Logistics Agenda before every meeting Assignments after every meeting Report progress/challenges back to your mentor Define your own optimal rhythm: frequency of meetings,

moment in the week/day, location etc.

… fun and valuable experience…

MENTORING at your company Get executive buy-in Internal vs. external mentors (politics and confidentiality)

If internal – should not intersect reporting lines On company time? Pairing process When does a mentoring relationship end?

When looking for your pair…

… dare the unusual matching

Thanks for having me

…and…

may you find your own Yoda!