Presentation for the kick-off workshop of a mentoring program. This presentation is a guideline, to be completed with interactive exercises during the workshop.

1. Mentorship
kick-off workshop
Sarie Leroy
2017

2. What? A definition (1/2)
Wikipedia:
 Mentorship is a relationship in which a more
experienced or more knowledgeable person helps
to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable
person.
 "Mentoring" is a process that always involves
communication and is relationship-based, but its
precise definition is elusive, with more than 50
definitions currently in use.
Business dictionary
 Mentoring is an employee training system under
which a senior or more experienced individual (the
mentor) is assigned to act as an advisor, counselor,
or guide to a junior or trainee. The mentor is
responsible for providing support to, and feedback
on, the individual in his or her charge.
Mentoring – Sarie Leroy - 2017 2

3. What? A definition (2/2)
Mentoring is a partnership between 2
employees, that have no immediate
hierarchical relationship.
Even though there is an inequality in the
skills, knowledge and experience of the
partners, the partnership itself is equal.
Both parties agree to the relationship, and
both parties are responsible for its success.
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4. Origin? Greek mythology
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5. Keys to success for a mentoring program
 The strategic purpose of the program is clear
 Genuine belief in the program
 Never pair mentors and mentees that have a hierarchical
relationship
 Coaching ≠ Mentoring
 Foster a safe mentoring environment and ensure mutual trust
 Evaluate results from both sides
 Meet on a regular basis
 Keep it dynamic
 Know where to find the Mentoring program manager
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6. Mentoring within the organization
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7. Skills for an effective mentor
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 Listening actively & empathy
 Building trust & being appreciative
 Providing constructive feedback
 Encouraging & motivating &
 Sharing & role modelling
 Advising
 Facilitating
 Collaborating

8. Preparing to be a mentor
 What is the strategic purpose of the mentorship?
 What do I want to gain form the mentorship?
 What do I have to offer?
 How often would I like to meet?
 Will contact be face-to-face or not?
 How long will this mentor-mentee relationship last?
 What do I mean with “confidentiality”?
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9. The agenda of a typical first session
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 Introduction:
 Listen to the mentee – ask open questions
 Tell something about yourself  interesting / fun / unique
 Expectations & motivation:
 What are the mentee’s expectations – why did he enroll
 Why did you, as a mentor, enroll
 Define together what this partnership aims to achieve and how it
will achieve these aims
 Agree on practicalities
 Set a new date

10. The agenda of a typical mentoring session
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 Mentee prepares agenda  topics (s)he would like to cover
 Breaking the ice
 Mentor follows up on the previous period  feedback
 What went well  compliment
 What went difficult  elaborate
 New topics are being discussed
 Advice
 Action points
 Setting a new date

11. Let’s do it!
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12. Mentoring – Sarie Leroy - 2017 12
A single
conversation
across the table
with a wise
man, is worth a
month’s study
of books.
- Chinese proverb -

13. Enjoy your mentorship!
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Sarie Leroy
info@sarie.be