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BOSTON COLLEGE WORLD-WIDE WEBINARS. Identifying and Effectively Utilizing a Mentor October 12 , 2016. Donna Sullivan ’85. Mentoring. How to effectively support your current and future career success. Today’s Hopes. What is a mentor? How do I find them? How do we maximize his/her value
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BOSTON COLLEGE WORLD-WIDE WEBINARS Identifying and Effectively Utilizing a MentorOctober 12, 2016 Donna Sullivan ’85
Mentoring • How to effectively support your current and future career success
Today’s Hopes • What is a mentor? • How do I find them? • How do we maximize his/her value • How do I become a mentor? • Values, Time, Content • Mentor Programs • What works, what doesn’t
Strategy What is a Mentor? A Person senior to you who can advise, consult & provide development options
Value of Mentors • Been there…..done that • Easier to network • Greater exposure to different cultures and information • No threat advice for problem solving or difficult decision making
Why Do I Need One • Balanced perspective • Not in the weeds of the moment • Ability to help you develop a strategy instead of tactical job to job approach • Strongest networking partner for you • Gets you where you can’t by yourself
How Do I Find a Mentor • Why are you looking? • Career support • Community support • Family/personal support • More than one mentor is a blessing. There is no cap.
Career Mentors • Any function/industry – doesn’t have to be yours • Needs to WANT to be • Needs to KNOW they are! Often better when not in a formal program. • Better if they are not your boss or HR representative • Openness • Performance appraisal ramifications
Community/ Personal Mentors • What is your passion? • Religion • Sports • Community development • Politics • Family Alignment with desired development
How Do I Begin • Know who you are and what your value is BEFORE reaching out • Understand what the relationship is • Develop a “Product” mentality and maintain a tactical and strategic plan • Mutually understand how the interactions will take place • Meetings • Social media • Group events
Managing Your Career • Know your product • Know your market • Stay up to date with current market trends! • Mentors support – they can’t manage your career
Who gets Mentored • Millennials ( 80’s and 90’s) • Represent more than ½ the current workforce • Gen X ( 60’s and 70’s) • Smallest % of current workforce Baby Boomers are retiring….
A Typical Millennial Exchange • Millennial : What’s one thing I can do to be more successful in my role? • Mentor : Ask for more feedback for team mates • …..some minutes later…… • Mentor: You tend to leave things to last minute. Plan more. And this occurred using TWITTER
Mentor vs. CoachWhat’s the Difference Matt M. Starcevich, Ph.D.CEO Center For Coaching & Mentoring, Inc.
The Job Market Postings / Recruiters/ contract firms Formal • Networking • Positions not posted yet • Created Positions Informal Where is Your Control?
How do I Begin with My Mentor The Power of Asking!! What do I need to do? How am I doing? Will you consider me? How should we develop the relationship?
How Can I Be a Mentor Mentors exist at virtually all levels of an organization and/or community • What can you offer that is value add to the constituency? • Will you commit the time that is required? • What’s my differentiation?
Where are My ‘Mentees’? • They exist at every age • Relationship already exists if not a formal program • Who is new in your organization? • Who may be struggling but has potential • Who has asked you? • Corporate Mentor Program Development
Reverse Mentoring • Younger helping “mature” • Technology • Software • Social Media
Conclusion • Know who you are and what your value is BEFORE seeking a Mentor • Create/Maintain an internal network – think circular, not linear. Mentor can help • Mentor helps you see through the trees- and creates a strategy with you • Maintain an updated resume • Stay informed, seek out advice – Don’t wait for reviews or appraisals.
Resources • Starting Strong: A Mentoring FableLois Zachary and LoryFischlerJossey-Bass • Common Sense MentoringLarry Ambrose • The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships Lois J. Zachary • Mentoring 101 John C. Maxwell