David Maister’s Passion, People and Principles

post # 487 — Monday, January 14, 2008 11:13am — a Managing post

Mentoring

One of the best books on mentoring that I have found is “The Elements of Mentoring” by W. Brad Johnson and Charles R. Ridley.

Here are some of their chapter headings and subheadings:

Getting to Know Your Protégé
            Spend time
Identify and communicate strengths and weaknesses
            Allow fears and emotions to be discussed
Expect Excellence
            Set high expectations and communicate clearly
            Model what you expect of others
            Demonstrate confidence
Affirm, Encourage and Support
            Show that you value them
            Instill confidence
            Kindly shed light on unrealistic expectations
Provide Sponsorship
             Discern their dream
            Help them with first steps
            Use your status to get them opportunities
            Get them to function on your behalf occasionally
Teach and Coach
            Clear Instruction on expectations, roles and functions
            Story-telling and metaphors
            Help people understand organizational politics
Offer Counsel in Difficult Times
            Provide insight, not necessarily answers
Listen, reflect feelings clarify alternatives
            Validate feelings
Protect When Necessary
            Recognize that protégé will occasionally suffer personal or political problems
            Use protection sparingly
Stimulate growth with Challenging assignments
Nurture Creativity
            Encourage innovative thought
            Safe haven to experiment
            Model innovation
Provide Correction – Even when painful
            Confront negative performance or behavior
            Help with ideas – don’t just criticize
Narrate Growth and development
            Discuss milestones openly
Self-Disclose when appropriate
Accept Increasing Friendship and Mutuality
Model work/Life Balance
Display Dependability

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What’s your experience been with best practice in mentoring? Have you experienced organizations where it works well? What is the secret to effectiveness at this?