WIBF Mentoring

What is mentoring?

From the late 1990s, mentoring has increasingly become a recognised process that is an effective learning and career developmental tool. A mentoring programme comprises a mentor who is senior in experience to the mentee. The mentor has cross-functioning skills, a wealth of management experience, leadership skills complimented with excellent communication skills.

Mentoring is about-
Providing a supportive framework that will foster personal growth for both parties.
The mentoring relationship is one that is based on mutual trust and respect.
Focus on development of capabilities. Involves aspects of coaching, networking and facilitation to a varying degree.The mentor works with the mentee to look at strategic approaches to meet goals and creating a plan to achieve the desired outcome.

Why mentoring?
One of the leading specialists on mentoring schemes in the UK, David Clutterbuck, asked a group of 250 human resource specialists at the 1995 Institute of Personal Development national conference at Harrogate, "who has the most potential for you to learn from?" Mentors came top being selected by half of the respondents.
In this new economy, the Information age, vast amount of information is now readily available and at a much higher rate of speed. This technology revolution places a greater demand on organisations and employees. Employees are expected to be responsive, innovative and self-managed.

Mentoring is-
Flexible - the minimum requirement is commitment from the mentor and the mentee.
It is personal - it relates to individual's interests and needs.
It relates to work and the job - It is practical. The mentee is encouraged by the mentor to focus on areas she/he wants to improve.
Provides options - mentoring does not necessarily need to focus on task specifics of the job but can encompass elements of personal, technical and functional skills.

Benefits to Mentees
Discover new options and opportunities
Develop the skills to improve your career
Increased awareness to stumbling blocks
Become more self empowered

Benefits to Mentor
Gain personal satisfaction
Improve leadership and communication skills
Enhance your own self-actualisation/awareness

Benefits to organisations
Retention of quality staff
Mentoring complements other development and training programmes
Develop future leaders
Generate creativity and innovation for business