Definition of Corporate Mentoring
When you begin a new job or career, or want to grow in your current position, it can be useful to receive guidance and advice from a trusted advisor--someone who has been where you are and knows what it takes to reach your goals. In an effort to help their employees succeed, some companies have instituted formal corporate mentoring programs.
Other People Are Reading
-
Definition
-
Corporate mentoring is an official relationship, often established through a formal program, in which one person, generally a senior executive or other experienced team members, works with a less-experienced employee to provide advice, guidance and assistance with career issues. Mentors often provide help with setting and achieving career goals and guidance for handling problems or navigating the corporate culture.
Rationale
-
Companies institute mentoring programs for a variety of reasons. Mentoring can help create a more collaborative and effective team environment, as employees get to know each other outside of the typical boss-employee relationship. Mentoring allows companies to train and develop their workforce without hiring outside trainers and consultants, saving thousands of dollars in training costs. Mentors can also contribute to employee satisfaction, as lower-level employees often feel more connected to upper management.
-
Characteristics
-
Successful corporate mentoring programs generally share certain characteristics. Mentor programs should be designed around specific goals, such as reducing employee attrition or increasing employee engagement with the company. Participation in the mentor programs is usually voluntary, with both the mentor and the mentee agreeing to the relationship. Mentors should be at least two levels above their mentees in the corporate structure, and not within the same chain of command. Prospective mentors should be thoroughly trained in mentoring principles and procedures, and coordinators should set clear expectations for how the relationship should work.
Effective Programs
-
Each company has different policies regarding how a mentoring relationship should work. In some companies, mentors are scheduled for regular meetings, either at the office or in a neutral location, such as a restaurant over lunch. In general, mentors agree to make themselves available, either in person or via phone or email, to answer questions or provide feedback. One of the requirements for most corporate mentoring programs is that potential mentors have the time to participate in the program. Most formal programs include a feedback mechanism where mentors and mentees can rate the effectiveness of their experience, or request a different relationship if the two parties don't make a connection.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit A businessman an businesswoman having a meeting image by sumos from Fotolia.com
