by Center for Mentoring Excellence | Aug 6, 2011 | Uncategorized
There is an old saying that goes, “If there is no target to aim at you will hit it everytime.” When goals are not defined mentoring proceeds along a meandering path. Clarifying and articulating learning goals requires inquiry and conversation so that the goals that are selected, are meaningful and guide the work of the relationship.
Being knowledgeable about a mentee’s learning style offers a starting point and assists you in knowing when to step forward and when to hold back, and how to honor specific learning styles that help to facilitate the learning. For example, if your mentee is a very logical person who is data driven and fact-oriented and you are someone who operates more intuitively, you will adjust the learning in a manner more suitable to your mentee’s needs.
What is your learning style? How might it impact your mentoring relationships?
Learn more about the goal driven mentoring relationship and Begin with the End in Mind!
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | Aug 3, 2011 | Uncategorized
Meet Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. (more…)
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | Aug 3, 2011 | Uncategorized
One of the best ways to keep a mentoring relationship fresh is to take advantage of multiple learning opportunities. Once you and your mentoring partner get to know each other you will have a much clearer understanding about your mentee’s situation and learning needs. Perhaps your mentee could benefit by exposure to additional knowledge, skills and experience. By reaching out to colleagues and professional networks you may be able to find out what kinds of learning opportunities they might have had or have available to your mentee.
Brainstorm a list of learning opportunities together with your mentee. As you do thinking about learning style, context, goals and timing.
Consider learning opportunities within the organization and external to the organization.
Look at your list and discuss the answers to the following:
- Which ones will help the mentee gain exposure to new learning?
- Which will reinforce learning?
- Which will accelerate learning?
Try to flesh out your list so that it is robust. Think outside the box to generate ideas and don’t be surprised if your mentee comes up with ideas you’ve never considered.
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | Jul 14, 2011 | Uncategorized
What do you know about the people you lead? If you know their name, job title/function, length of service, and whether or not they are a good contributor, you have already made some assumptions about them. (more…)
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | Jun 8, 2011 | Uncategorized
When it comes to the dynamics of mentoring relationships between men and women old stereotypes hold fast: women are generally more internally focused and put a priority on building relationships, valuing care, concern, and connection. Men tend to focus externally first, on tasks and results. The new model reflects a shifting paradigm that is collaborative and egalitarian. (more…)
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | May 30, 2011 | Uncategorized
We base our assumptions on our experiences, and they determine how we see the world. The problem is that we then act on our assumptions and add our own meaning to them, even though they may not necessarily be valid. If we are off the mark, it compromises our relationships by affecting communication and adversely our level of trust. (more…)
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | May 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
Team members often look to their leaders to keep individual team member behavior in check. (more…)
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | May 18, 2011 | Uncategorized
What is the most frequent complaint leaders have about their leadership team members? (more…)
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | May 8, 2011 | Uncategorized
Do you know anyone who seems to know everyone and immediately fits right in the minute they enter a room? Making connections with people is a talent which some people innately have. Others cultivate it. (more…)
by Center for Mentoring Excellence | Apr 29, 2011 | Mentoring Relationships
GenXers wanted to be valued for their individuality. They seek work-life balance. They want opportunities to build new skills and are whizzes at multitasking, having developed the capacity to process of lots of information simultaneously. They want to be challenged at work and not micromanaged. Feedback on their performance and recognition of their contribution are important to them.
If you are mentoring a Gen-Xer, you will want to keep the following eight strategies in mind: (more…)
