Topic 2: Mentoring models and techniques
Mentoring models are defined by the type of relationship that is established, the purposes defined (personal or professional development), the number of people involved and the type of tools and resources to deliver the practice.
To choose the model that best fits your intentions and which is best for you to use with your mentees, consider:
- The amount of time and resources you have available
- The level of commitment from both the mentor and the mentee
- The type of relationship you want to foster between the mentor and mentee
- The goals you hope to achieve through the programme
Source: Mindshift Talent Advisory
Source: Mindshift Talent Advisory
Mentoring Techniques
Regardless of each mentoring model you use, you need to assess some relevant mentoring techniques: (to build rapport, setting goals, effective and active listening and effective questioning).
Building rapport
Refers to the process of establishing a connection and it corresponds to the setting up phase, where the mentor provides basic background information about themselves, gains some information about the mentee and explains the purpose and the process of the relationship.
Setting goals
One of the mentor’s main tasks is to guide the mentee in setting and achieving goals so they can make the progress they intend to. Setting up SMART mentoring goals is an effective methodology to organise mentoring sessions/meetings.
Mentoring Techniques
Effective and active listening
These are core skills in mentorship, which are shared between the mentor and the mentee. In this technique, the listener must fully concentrate in order to understand, respond and remember what is being said.
As a mentor, your capacity for active listening will determine how well you establish and accomplish the goals of your mentoring relationship. Find out more about it by watching the video “Improve your listening skills with active listening”.
Effective questioning
Goes hand in hand with active listening, and it is not only about making the right questions but using them at the right moment, i.e. with efficiency. Mentors should be clear in their own minds about why they are asking a particular question.