AAMA 2016 State Leaders Session Mentoring Matters AAMA 2016 State Leaders Session

Leadership Development Committee members Julie Flaatten, CMA (AAMA), RN, EMT, Chair   Dana Bynoe, CMA (AAMA) Susan Hawes, CMA (AAMA), MBA, CMPE Deniece Jozefiak, CMA (AAMA) Lisa Lee, CMA (AAMA) Patty Licurs, CMA (AAMA) Freda Miller, CMA (AAMA) K. Minchella, CMA (AAMA), PhD Barbara Parker, CMA-AC (AAMA), CCS-P, CPC Maria Van de Bovenkamp, CMA (AAMA)  Staff Liaison: Kathy Langley

Definition of a Mentor: Mentoring is the sharing of experience and knowledge in the world of the professional CMA (AAMA). To mentor is to lead by example, counsel, teach, and not only inspire others to move into leadership positions, but to assist in their career advancement. A mentor is a trusted confidante and willing to be available for the mentee as long as necessary.

Who is a mentor? “We all need someone to inspire us to do better than we know how.” – Anonymous

Mentor characteristics and qualities: Listener Flexible Encouraging Motivating Passionate Knowledgeable Supportive Many more …

“I was assigned a mentor many years ago “I was assigned a mentor many years ago. I went into that relationship hoping to learn more about the organization. My mentor made that possible. We are still friends and I still from time to time will ask for her expertise. This was a very worthwhile relationship for me.” – Leadership Team Member

“The mentor must be experienced, enthusiastic, passionate, encouraging, supportive, and want to help and see others succeed. If it were not for them encouraging me and supporting me to move up the ladder each time I did, a little bit at a time, I would not be on this board. I still to this day seek their guidance. I have also gotten new mentors along the way up the ladder.” – Leadership Team Member

Mentor role

“At a minimum there needs to be an expectation that the mentor is willing to be involved for the long haul. Mentoring is not about a quick cup of coffee and leaving. It is about building relationships that are working for both parties. It is fair to expect that the mentor has knowledge about the association that can be shared. A mentor has to be willing to give not only of their time but of themselves.” –Leadership Team Member

“Some people are mentors without even knowing it “Some people are mentors without even knowing it. I believe you have to see the potential in people and be willing to work with them, teach them, be available to them, and encourage them even if they have failures. Ask the mentee if they have questions about anything and be willing to listen to them and not talk above them. Take joy in seeing your mentee succeed and feel pride in knowing that you played maybe a small part in their success.” – Leadership Team Member

Mentee’s role “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember. Involve me and I’ll learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

“I see the expectation of a mentee as the stepping up to find a mentor “I see the expectation of a mentee as the stepping up to find a mentor. We can provide possible names, etc., tools and guidance of what to expect, but in the end the two people involved will drive the train as to the direction they take. Also every mentee may have a different need for a mentor. For example, maybe they are fairly knowledgeable about the organization but need help in stepping up to run for office in their chapters, may need confidence boosting, etc.” – Leadership Team Member

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. LISTEN, be willing to learn, don’t get discouraged, learn to take criticism well, develop thick skin. No question is a dumb question; be willing to ask.” – Leadership Team Member

At the end of the process the mentee should be strengthened by the experience, see things with greater clarity, have a defined path, and be able to continue on independently.

Why not become a mentor?

“It gives you pride in knowing that you have helped someone achieve goals they have made for themselves; you can watch them grow; and maybe even form lifelong friendships.” – Leadership Team Member

Questions from State Leaders

Wrap up State Leaders Session

2016 Mentoring Survey Results

For more info, access the AAMA Mentoring Program Survey results on the AAMA website under Volunteers/Guidelines and Forms.