Mentoring has become an overused word with many different meanings. Also it is often viewed as a 'dated' highly time hungry process.
This lack of definition makes it difficult for Mentees (the people being mentored) to understand the support they should be receiving and the qualities they should expect.
I believe that it is about learning from the 'good practice' of others and needs to be convenient to both parties. I know that time is limted when you are running a business and the last thing you need is someone who drops in for a coffee, talks for most of the time, then leaves you with a few motivational words and an invoice.
The best definition of mentoring I have come across is:
'The transfer of wisdom. It is the process by which an individual learns from someone who has worn the same shoes and travelled the same path.'
Britnor Guest. Taken from Success Now MagazineIssue 13 8/99
To make coaching/ mentoring work you want someone who can work with you and keep you focused on what is important. To this end I develop an on-line project plan with clients which means that we can both monitor and update progress (at a time convenient) and so maximise face-to-face meetings. This means that my clients don't waste their money on my travel costs. It also means that I can reduce the costs to you!
In addition to mentoring relationships, Ihave also developed several mentoring programmes including:
London Business Volunteer Mentoring Association - on behalf of the London Association of Enterprise Agencies
Cben - London Borough of Enfield community business mentoring programme
Croydon Business Mentors - on behalf of Croydon Enterprises, as a sub-contractor to KIS Training
I have also run mentoring workshops for organisations such as:
Shell International and
EC1 Mentoring Project
Programmes include:
'Blended' training (with all the necessary materials), providing off-line and on-line sessions. The on-line sesions are particularly aimed at busy entrepreneurs.
Development of essential mentoring Forms
matching and monitoring of Mentor and Mentee performance
Quality feedback for all participants
Regular progress reviews and reports
Mentor CPD workshops
The aim is to provide sustainable mentoring programmes, ensuring that the Mentees become future Mentors.
Associated Network Partner under EU IMP³rove Innovation Benchmarking Programme/ Registered on Business Link Supplier Service
