1 Tools to Deal with Controversial Issues Session 3: Engaging in a Mentoring Relationships to Build Skills & Enhance Personal & Organizational Effectiveness Emmett P. Fiske WSU Extension

2 Overview of the Mentoring Process  What is Mentoring?  Why is it Helpful?  How does it Work?  Is it for You?

3 What is Mentoring?  Developmental relationship between a more experienced mentor and a less experienced partner referred to as a mentee or protégé  Roles may include advisor, advocate, coach, guide, protector, role model, sponsor, tutor, etc.  Mentoring relationships can be informal (developing on their own between partners) or formal (via assigned relationships often associated with organizational mentoring programs to promote employee development)  Organizational mentoring normally involves new-hire mentorship and/or high-potential mentorship programs

4 Why is Mentoring Helpful?  Builds Skills  Increases Personal & Workplace Effectiveness  Enhances Personal & Organizational Development

5 Why is Mentoring Helpful?  Provides support for individuals  Contributes to career development  Greater job satisfaction  Increased personal and organizational productivity  Employment stability & employability

6 If It’s So Great, Why No Policies or Procedures for Mentoring?  Resource Issues  Uneven Demand  Everyone Up to Eyeballs in Work  Colleagues Need to be Convinced of its Value

7 How Does Mentoring Tend to Work?  Continuum of possibilities (formal assignments to informal partnerships)  Normally a time commitment (one year, with in-process assessments)  Often comes with organizational liaison(s) responsible for maintaining regular communication with the pairs (mentor-protégé)  Organizational liaison(s) assist in creating skill building experiences

8 Is Mentoring for You?  How do you like to learn?  How much “support” do you need?  How much “ownership” of the process will you have?  Will you be recognized/rewarded by the organization if you do this?

9 Next Steps: Magic Markers and Manila Folder Magic Instructions: Write 1 – 2 word responses to each of the following questions. Use only one manila folder for each question. Write large and legibly. Pass folders to designated trainers.  What are constraints / hindrances for getting involved in a mentoring relationship?  What are the advantages / opportunities from getting involved in a mentoring relationship?  What kind of mentoring relationship do I want?

10 Well Then, Let’s Get Moving!