Mentoring Skills Course

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.