Mentoring the Next Generation

MENTORS AND MENTEES A TIME TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES

S U S A N E L S A S S , D E A N O F S T U D E N T S , D A N I E L W E B S T E R C O L L E G E , N A S H U A , N H 6 0 3 . 5 7 7 . 6 5 8 1 E L S A S S @ D W C . E D U © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

What is Mentoring?

A process through which an individual offers professional expertise, as well as support, to a colleague. “Mentoring can mean allowing someone to watch you work, making sure you attend certain meetings/events, receive introductions, providing projects so you will have the opportunity to shine, sharing credit, reviewing work … all to enhance professional development and perhaps most important of all showing the mentee your high standards.” © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

Types of Mentors

Developmental Mentors – the mentor helps the mentee develop new skills and abilities and serves as a guide and resource for growth Sponsorship Mentors – the mentor is a career influencer and “opens doors” to help the mentee advance Coaches – the mentor empowers and coaches, setting up a structure and assisting in skill development © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

What Does a Mentor Do?

Advocates Coaches Shares Resources

Are there other roles?

Advises Role Models Supports © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

A Quick Survey

◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Sent a survey to 38 women in a variety of fields: ◦ Higher Education State Government Business Owners/Consultants Health Care ◦ ◦ Not-For Profit Agencies Insurance Food Service ◦ ◦ Response from 22 10 professionals with less than 18 years experience 12 professionals with 25 years or more experience © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

The Questions I Asked

Have you, at any stage in your career, sought a mentor?

◦ 2/22 replied yes Have you, at any stage in your career, served as a mentor?

◦ 7/12 of the 25+ years said yes ◦ 6/10 of the less than 18 years said yes What do you look for in a mentor?

◦ More on that later © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

The Benefits of Being a Mentee

Better understanding of the organization (in which you work) or your profession Learning and personal growth resulting in enhanced effectiveness A safe place to explore ideas and viewpoints An opportunity to receive candid feedback and benefit from the knowledge of your mentor Expanded network of resources Enhanced self-awareness and confidence © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

The Benefits of Being a Mentor

Learning and personal growth for you!

informal networks interpersonal communication skills window on what is important to the next generation Personal satisfaction Strengthen the organization’s workforce © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

How To Find a Mentor

Attend professional conferences and seminars A colleague or former colleague Someone you’ve {respectfully} disagreed with in the past Ask questions … how did you do that? How did you persuade the board to do this? Why did you approach this project in that way?

Someone who has already passed through the part of the career path you are currently on who has achieved success © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

Characteristics of Mentees

Willing to be vulnerable about weaknesses, opportunities, mistakes, and shortcomings Convey how a mentor can be helpful Willing to make changes yet confident in your own abilities Open minded about learning from the mentor’s life experiences Demonstrate that you are worth your mentor’s investment in you © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

Characteristics of Great Mentors

Believe in your mentee, both personally and professionally Be committed – if you are offering to help your mentee you need to be there for them when needed Listen actively and ask the right questions – build sustainable improvements not quick fixes Have your own mentors Open-minded and compassionate Patient Be a role model Honest and open – provide feedback © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

What Do You Look For In A Mentor?

Eighteen years or less in their profession

“Someone like me … open minded, honest, not afraid to give constructive feedback.” “A good listener, someone I respect and find credible, someone I trust, someone who is successful, someone with an open door policy, someone who can point me in directions I’ve never considered.” “Someone who is open to creating a mentoring relationship, someone who emulates the qualities I want to develop, someone who is happy in their job.” “Someone who can provide guidance and insight.” © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

What Do You Look For In A Mentor?

continued

Eighteen years or less in their profession

“Someone who will take the time to show you what they do, share the mistakes they’ve made and give you great advice on your own career.” “Someone who is knowledgeable about work-life balance, supportive and excited about their mentees new experiences and successes.” “Knowledge of {work} culture and system and is respected in the workplace.” “A good communicator.” “Someone I can relate to both personally and professionally.” © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

What Do You Look For In A Mentor?

25+ years in their profession

“Someone I respect, solid integrity, success due to their skills not through politics, leadership skills, someone who knows how to motivate people toward a goal.” “A mature partnership where growth is valued.” “Mutual respect and learning and commitment to the mentee.” “Someone who is supportive, respectful, and understands that failure is part of learning.” “Someone who understands the job and environment and can guide me, a good sense of humor.” “Someone who shares my enthusiasm for the profession and is willing to listen and share.” “Compassion, knowledge, patience, ambition, experience.” © 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

Lessons Learned

Talk about your experiences.

How has mentoring evolved?

How will you mentor in the future?

Can a mentor be a direct supervisor?

What have you mentored others about?

© 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR

Resources

"Essay on the Coaching Style of Mentoring | Inside Higher Ed." Essay on the Coaching Style of Mentoring | Inside Higher Ed. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. .

"How Can I Find a Mentor at Work?" The Fast Track. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. .

"Mentoring-in-a-Box: Women Faculty in Computing | National Center for Women & Information Technology." Mentoring- in-a-Box: Women Faculty in Computing | National Center for Women & Information Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.

"Mentoring Skills." - Career Development From MindTools.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. .

Smith, Jacquelyn. "How To Be A Great Mentor." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 17 May 2013. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. .

"Sodexo USA Careers Blog: Introducing LIFT Mentoring for Sodexo’s Frontline Employees." Sodexo USA Careers Blog: Introducing LIFT Mentoring for Sodexo’s Frontline Employees. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. .

© 2014 DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION OR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR