NCWE Mentoring for Success Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D. President, Clark State Community College blondinj@clarkstate.edu @clarkstatepres

Mentoring is Important Work “Colleagues are a wonderful thing—but mentors, that’s where the real work gets done.” – Junot Diaz

Overview of Mentoring History of mentoring Different terms for mentors (brainstorm) Creating your personal and professional portfolio Identifying the gaps Finding a champion and a BOLO mentor Writing and rehearsing your story and your journey so you are ready to tell it!

Why Mentoring? One-on-one is the best way to learn Investing in yourself Developing EQ/the whole self Hearing and learning before doing Establishing a network/social capital It’s never too early to mentor others Storytelling is powerful Every successful professional had a mentor

Reflecting on Mentors, Past and Present Take a few minutes to think about someone you have worked with and looked up to—what qualities did this person exhibit? Take a few minutes to think about an someone with whom you work regularly—what relationships/experiences could you leverage to develop yourself as a professional? Consistent theme: I should be doing...but what should I really be doing? How do I know?

Characteristics of Successful Professionals Demonstrating Drive (Dynamic and Enterprising) and Creativity Taking an Entrepreneurial Approach Focusing on Goal Attainment Tackling Business Challenges Listening and empathy Using data to make decisions Understanding the workplace/organization

This is Personal How can you utilize mentoring to create opportunity for you? What are some challenges that you wish to seek help from your mentor to make you a more effective professional? What gaps in your professional or personal portfolio are you looking to address through a mentoring relationship?

Expectations of Mentees Respects mentor's advice, constructive criticism, time, and experience Seeks advice by identifying challenges and articulating needs Honors mentor by using time wisely and creating an open line of communication Progresses by practicing what he/she has learned, providing feedback to mentor, and persevering in personal goals

Expectations of Mentors Shares experiences by offering suggestions for success and guiding mentees Honors the mentee by using time wisely and creating lines of open communication Instills integrity in mentee Promotes professional development including career and life skills Monitors mentee's progress throughout the entire relationship

Questions for Mentees to Ask Did you think you would pursue this career path? How do you spend most of your time in this position? Share your specific challenges and opportunities: What would you do in a specific situation? What USED to be your biggest challenge? How can I help you?

Questions for Mentors to Ask What are your short term/long term professional and personal goals? Pose a scenario and gauge reactions/responses with appreciative inquiry What is your biggest challenge now (and it can’t be pay)? What skills or credentials do you need to reach your goals?

Questions? Thank you! blondinj@clarkstate.edu