Topic 3: The four phases of mentoring
The success of a mentoring relationship depends on the understanding between those involved. Both mentor and mentee must understand each other’s values and expectations in order to succeed.
A formal mentoring relationship needs a basic and solid structure to achieve a designated outcome. For that, it is essential to have in mind four sequential phases that depend on each other and must also have a time frame definition (not equal for all phases): 1. preparation; 2. initiation, 3. development and 4. maturation, closure.
Source: Mindshift Talent Advisory
Preparation
Crucial for any mentoring relationship, this is the phase where you prepare your mentoring relationship. In organisational contexts, there are some basic formalities and techniques to match mentors and mentees and they are mostly based in profiling both mentor and mentee to match interests and areas of improvement that the mentee needs.
Initiation
This phase can be framed in one or two meetings depending on what you consider it is important to achieve. But first, you must bond with your mentee. At this stage you must include the signing off the mentoring agreement..
Development and maturation
This phase aggregates the stages of information exchange, setting goals, working to achieve goals and deepening the engagement. At the third phase of mentoring, you will establish a plan for the mentoring sessions, including the number of sessions needed to achieve the objectives and purposes of your mentee.
Closure
When your mentee has achieved the goal and objectives you have both devised, the mentor relationship ends (the closure phase). Following the mentoring relationship, you can still provide ongoing opportunities.
Source: Mindshift Talent Advisory