Welcome to the CoE Mentor Workshop We are glad you are here!

CoE Mentoring Program Mentor Workshop February 21, 2017 Materials adapted from SHRM website, MentorTech, Wiki on Mentoring, A Mentors Companion, The Mentor’s Guide, University of Washington HR website

Today’s Objectives To feel confident & enthusiastic about taking on a formal mentoring role To reflect on your own experiences To understand your role & responsibilities in being a good mentor To have the tools to get the mentoring relationship off to a good start

Introduction In the mentoring process, reflection enables us to slow down, rest, and observe our journey and the process of self-knowledge that is so important along the way. (Huang and Lynch, 1995, p. 57)

Icebreaker—more about you Yellow – Last book read Red – One achievement, personal or work-related Green – One thing you love about your job Orange – Favorite thing you do to keep you motivated Blue – One stressful thing in your job you wish you could improve Black – One life goal you’re working on

“My experience as a mentor” Susan Gilstrap, COE-Dean’s Office Learning from others…. “My experience as a mentor” Susan Gilstrap, COE-Dean’s Office

What makes a good mentor? Discussion Question What makes a good mentor?

Definition of a Mentor M – Model, serve as a role model and point out others E – Encouragement, be a cheerleader and advocate N – Nurture, identify mentee’s unique skills and capabilities to make the most of these talents T – Teacher, provide constructive feedback O – Organization, help mentee avoid political landmines R – Reality, provide insight how the organization works & to develop an action plan to make mentee’s dreams a reality

“Using Experience to Ground Your Work” EXERCISE “Using Experience to Ground Your Work”

Importance of a mentoring program Benefits to the mentor: Represents making a difference to the organization, profession and the mentee. Provides the fulfillment and satisfaction of helping others. Gives “payback” for the support received from others in the past. Expands effective communication skills. Increases experience and skills for career development. Provides an opportunity to communicate Institute values. Creates work allies. Encourages self-reflection on your own career and goals.

Importance of a mentoring program Benefits to the mentee: Learn from another person’s experience. Demonstrates the employer recognition of knowledge, skills and abilities of the mentee. May help career advancement. Increases confidence by moving out of comfort zone. Develops creative and independent thinking. Gives insight into organizational culture. Results in a greater awareness of organizational politics and culture. Provides an appreciation and effective use of networking. Develops proactive approaches to tasks and projects. Encourages protégé to uncover and develop own abilities.

What mentoring is Not Training Cross Training Conversation Promise of promotion or move to another job A formula or scientific process At the outset, establish what each person anticipates, which will ensure a beneficial mentoring relationship with positive end results.

“Reflecting on Your Time Line” Exercise “Reflecting on Your Time Line”

Good mentors do: Set high expectations Teach by example Offer wise counsel Show genuine interest in protégé & take time to hear them out Demonstrate a sense of humor Inspire & encourage protégé Have willingness to accept another’s viewpoint Exhibit patience & kindness Offer secrets to how the organization really works Provide learning experiences Challenging behavior & rerouting thinking into more productive directions

Good mentors Don’t: Act like a dictator—be intolerant of others mistakes Need to be in control and in limelight Don’t follow through on commitments Judge Break confidences and be disloyal Communicate poorly Have a very biased viewpoint Run the show Get off track with the mentoring relationship

What can we do to start strong? Discussion Question What can we do to start strong?

Starting strong Do your homework! Review resources on website before your first meeting. Use “Self Assessment” form to start off conversation about goals, objectives and strengths. Establish norms for meetings, communications between meetings, and changes in schedules. Align expectations on both sides.

Tools www.mentor.coe.gatech.edu Program Details & Resources tab Conversation planning Goal Setting Guide Mock interview questions Resume review & critique Suggested activities

More tools! Ask “High Gain” questions: “Tell me more about…” “OK, when was another time when….” “I’d be interested in knowing your reasons for…” “How’d you get to that conclusion….” “What led you there?” “What was the best thing that happened?” “How did you feel about that?” “What have you learned?”

SMART Goals S Specific M Measurable A Attainable R Relevant T Timely

Activities and outcomes for pairs Suggested activities/outcomes: Completion of a career plan Set SMART goals for professional development Identify solutions to work/life balance issues Update resume and cover letters Improve interviewing skills/conduct mock interviews Research and attend training Network with others (internal and external to campus) Attend GT activities (conferences, seminars, athletic events, etc.)

Closing reminders Resources: Confidentiality is critical mentor.coe.gatech.edu Confidentiality is critical Pairs meet at least twice per month Turn in Commitment and Confidentiality Agreement Forms Questions? Contact Lynda House, lynda.house@coe.gatech.edu or 404-385-2351

Schedule

Schedule June 20 Mentor Roundtable 9-11 am (SC, Crescent) Mentee Roundtable 1-3 pm (SC, Crescent) July 26 GT Protocol & Business Etiquette 9-12 pm (SC, Piedmont) August 22 Book discussion 9-12 pm (SC, Crescent) September 27 Closing Celebration 11 am – 1 pm (SC, Peachtree)