This course includes
- 1 day of live, project-based training from experts
- Proprietary workbook included
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 0.6 CEUs
- Small class sizes
The concept of a mentor originates in the epic story of the Odyssey by Homer from the 8th century BC. According to the story, when King Odysseus goes to the Trojan War, he entrusts his son Telemachus to Mentor, who served as his teacher. Mentoring is a proactive approach to providing career guidance and role models for employee development. Ideally, mentors bring forth the strengths and full potential of those who they are mentoring. Mentoring can improve the talent for management and technical/professional jobs as well as help shape the future leadership of your organization. Mentoring programs provide opportunities for both the mentor and mentee to expand their leadership, communication and technical skills.
Target Audience
This course is ideal for professionals who are interested in becoming mentors or enhancing their mentoring skills. It is particularly beneficial for managers, team leaders, and experienced employees who want to provide career guidance and serve as role models for employee development.
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Assess your mentoring skills and what you need to strengthen.
- Identify key principles of mentoring.
- Learn skills that support successful mentoring relationships.
- Establish a new mentoring program or enhance an existing one.
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction
- Trace the origins and purpose of mentoring and how it develops talent and future leaders (pp. 2–4).
- Clarify course learning outcomes and personal/organizational benefits of mentoring.
- Complete warm-up activities that personalize the mentoring concept.
Module 2: Definition of a Mentor
- Co-create a clear definition of “mentor” and list core characteristics (patience, listening, candor) (p. 5).
- Differentiate mentor roles from other helpers and set expectations for the relationship.
Module 3: Benefits of Mentoring
- Identify benefits to mentors (knowledge transfer, new perspectives), mentees (role models, faster learning), and the organization (retention, productivity) (pp. 6–9).
- Review mentee roles and responsibilities that make the partnership work (pp. 10–11).
Module 4: Overview of Mentoring Process
- Follow the six-stage process: evaluate, match, agreement, perform roles, evaluate, and end/transition (pp. 11–13, 25–27).
- Plan and conduct the first meeting—clarify goals, logistics, responsibilities, and next steps; draft a Mentoring Agreement (pp. 13–16).
Module 5: Strategic Questions to Ask Using GROW
- Use the GROW coaching model to structure conversations: Goal, Reality, Options, Will (pp. 17–20).
- Practice targeted questions that surface insights, resources, obstacles, and commitments.
Module 6: The Art of Feedback
- Distinguish positive vs. constructive feedback and when to use each (pp. 20–21).
- Apply practical giving/receiving guidelines—timing, confidentiality, “I” statements, and clarification (pp. 21–22).
- Rehearse scenarios to reinforce effective feedback behaviors (p. 22).
Module 7: Career Development Planning
- Clarify mentor/mentee responsibilities for building a Career Development Plan and timeline (pp. 21–24).
- Draft goals, competency assessments, and an Action Plan/IDP using provided templates (pp. 23–24).
Module 8: Types of Mentoring
- Compare formats—flash, group, peer, reverse, situational, supervisory, team, and virtual—and when to use each (pp. 28–30).
- Select an approach that fits goals, availability, and culture; set expectations and evaluation points.
Module 9: Bibliography & Resources
- Explore recommended books and guides (e.g., Zachary, Maxwell) to sustain mentoring skills (p. 30).
- Create a personal reading list to deepen practice beyond the course.
