MENTORING

V.DEVAPRIYA M.YAGAMMAL.

Definition
Mentoring or mentorship is used for development of people.
Mentoring is a relationship which gives people the opportunity to share their professional skills and experiences, and to grow and develop in the process.

Meaning of a Mentor and Mentee:

Mentor
The person who assists or guides the other person is called a Mentor.

Mentee
The person being guided or assisted is called as a Mentee.

Mentor as a concept
MENTOR concept M-Manages the relationship E-Encourages. N-Nurtures. T-Teaches. O-offers mutual aspects. R- Responds to the Mentees needs.

Basis of mentoring
Knowledge transfer. Regular contact and conversation Career development. Skills enhancement. Helps the persons to grow.

Roles and Functions of a mentor

Mentors can play versatile roles as supporters ,tutors and models of identity or role models. Ideally, their role should be a combination of all these roles. Mentors must open themselves to the mentee by sharing their reasoning and decision processes with them and allowing themselves to be observed in various situations. Mentors should be able to express care and concern for other persons.

Characteristics of a Good Mentor

People oriented. Good motivator. Respect others. Secure in position. Achiever. Positive attitude.

Types of Mentorships
Formal: Normally an organizational mentoring
program. Within this program, the organizational management appoints mentors voluntarily or as an organizational decision. Generally, new employees of the organization are the mentees and these mentees are assigned to particular mentors for mentoring process. Example Wipro.

Contd
Informal: Here any two persons can come together
to form a mentor-mentee pair. At times, more number of persons can seek the same one person as their mentor. Mentorship programs are also seen in educational or sports/games set up where students/apprentices/new players are mentored by teachers/professors or by expert counsellors.

Characteristics of a Mentee
Eagerness to learn Ability to work as a team player Patient Risk taker Positive attitude.

Activities of a Mentor
Attend regular meetings with the mentee, preferably in an formal environment. Prepare for meetings. Work out plan of action for the mentee in consultation with him. Maintain dialogue and discussions. Act as a sounding board.

Contd
Observe the mentee and train mentee to observe others. Provide feedback to mentee. Take relevant training to become a better mentor. Share information with the mentee about continuing professional development and opportunities. Provide emotional support as needed. Guard against the exploitation of the mentee by other parties.

Benefits of Mentorship
To the Mentee Makes him feel at home in the organization in a short period of time Smoother transition Feeling of having a buddy or friend Support and guidance Having a confident with whom discussions on some specific sensitive issues can be held Developmental opportunity Sponsor.

Contd
To the Mentor New skill and career of mentorship System to reflect on one's strengths and weaknesses Personal and professional skills Opportunity to network with other professionals Job satisfaction and Improvement in self esteem.

Mentee's Responsibilities
Allow the mentor to take the lead initially Act with courtesy with your mentor Be an active listener and take notes when necessary Enquire with purpose Express appreciation and thank the mentor.