It’s no surprise that mentoring programs can provide a wide range of benefits to both mentees and mentors. Mentoring programs can offer a good deal of benefit to organizations as well. Companies that incorporate mentoring programs into their corporate identity are proven to have happier, more fulfilled employees. Moreover, these employees are less likely to look elsewhere for other opportunities.
Though the main benefit of a good mentoring program is it allows more senior professionals to share their unique skill sets that can bridge skills gaps in more junior employees. Bridging these skill gaps can create a more productive workforce that can drive organizational improvements.
What Successful Mentoring Programs Have Mastered: Matching
Mentoring programs are only as strong as the relationships they help foster. Here are several ways to create positive, long-term mentor and newbie relationships.
Identify Skills Gaps Before Making a Match
Identify the gaps you are trying to fill in your mentees skill sets and match the mentees with executives who can help fill those areas. For example, if an employee needs to improve in reporting or presentations, ensure they are matched with a mentor that excels in those areas.
Ensuring mentor and newbie aren’t in the same management chain
When a relationship exists outside the bounds of a management relationship, there is a higher probability the relationship will be more productive. The chance for open, honest dialogue dramatically increases when the mentee does not have to worry about repercussions to either them or their boss. On the other hand, mentors can also provide more direct feedback when the mentee isn’t their employee which could strain their professional relationship.
Match newbies with mentors who are in roles they aim for
Asking newbies what career goals they foresee for themselves in the future can help make mentor matches. For example, if a junior IT professional wants to be more security-focused, setting them up with a mentor who is a cybersecurity expert would work best.
Try to find some common ground for the match
Relationships that start out with some common ground tend to be more successful. For example, matching employees who have attended the same college or have similar interests outside of the office is highly beneficial in yielding a robust and productive relationship. This common ground can help bridge the initial awkwardness and create the beginning of a positive relationship.
Moving Forward
Mentoring programs are only as strong as the matches they make. By producing successful mentoring partnerships, many companies can bridge skills gaps that exist in their organization. When the time comes to add these new employees and future mentees, it’s best to reach out to industry experts, professional recruiters. A professional recruiter will be able to identify top industry talent whose involvement will be able to enrich your mentoring program.