Structured Mentoring

Increasing Knowledge Transfer 

Informal mentoring takes place organically in every organization and is a highly effective knowledge transfer process, but the problem is that only certain employees are included.

Diversity issues in the workplace can contribute to the exclusion of whole groups of people (women, minorities, etc.). In contrast, formal mentoring allows an organization to offer this valuable tool to an expanded community, with the added benefit of aligning mentoring goals with the business needs of the organization.

Our Structured Mentoring Model matches less experienced workers with seasoned colleagues for career development, guidance, and support. The model provides customized mentoring programs based on the career and professional development plans for each role and each individual. One of the key goals is to keep mentees on track by providing the skills they need to reach the next step on their personal career path. All employees are encouraged to participate.

Structured Mentoring

Key Advantages

Training for the mentor Goals, roles, and boundaries are clearly defined An assessment process documents success Recognition for success Available to all groups regardless of diversity issues Enhances recruitment and retention Cost effective way to upgrade skills Increases job satisfaction Empowers professionals

When To Use

Employee identified as high potential in a succession planning initiative To help new employees learn the organizational culture To facilitate personal and career growth To explain how the organization works To share critical knowledge To build self-confidence and offer encouragement To increase the likelihood of retention and tenure

How Structured Mentoring Works

Mentoring can be delivered either in-person or by various media, (e.g., videoconferencing).

Formal mentoring is more structured than informal mentoring. Goals, roles, and boundaries are clearly defined, a formal assessment process is in place, and outcomes are documented.

The organization determines the amount of structure within the program. With formal mentoring programs, tools often are provided such as a program coordinator and orientation for mentees. Group mentoring is a growing trend, where mentors are 'Learning Leaders' of a group.