NINE STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL MENTORING

HOW DOES A BUSINESS BEGIN A MENTORING PROGRAM?
FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL MENTORING:

STEP 1: Start with a call to the Delaware Mentoring Council (DMC) at (302) 831-0520

The DMC will help with training and technical assistance. The DMC will help you design your program and match your company with a school or community organization in need of mentors. The DMC will help you recruit, train mentors and provide ongoing support. One key thing to decide is the focus of your program. Here are four options:

  • In-school, traditional mentoring (blend of academic and social activities)
  • In-school, structured academic mentoring
  • After-school and community-based mentoring
  • Faith-based mentoring

STEP 2: Obtain top management endorsement for the program

The key to long-term success for your mentoring program is approval and support by top management.

STEP 3: Get all levels of management involved

Visible and active support throughout the organization is critical. Management can promote the program by volunteering themselves, speaking to employees, advertising internally, stating why the company is involved and using company internal and external communication vehicles to promote the program.

STEP 4: Identify a company liaison

Appoint an employee to assume internal coordination of the program. The appointed person should be motivated, willing to work with the mentoring organization and respected by peers within the company.

STEP 5: Secure release time from supervisors

Employees will be away from their desks for mentoring approximately one hour each week. There are a number of release options. Flexibility is key. The DMC will work with you to create a workable policy.

STEP 6: Recruit mentors from your company

You can promote your mentoring program via fax, e-mail, memorandum, newsletters and/or guest speakers. The DMC is available to give presentations to employees about mentoring, its benefits and options for getting involved.

STEP 7: Complete an application and mentoring training for all new mentors

The DMC will provide mentors with an application and mentor training. Training lasts approximately three hours and can be held at your place of work (depending on the number of mentors being trained), a school or a community agency. The training includes information about program policies, guidelines, tips about successful mentoring and working with youth.

STEP 8: Provide support and recognition for employees

The company liaison conducts support sessions periodically throughout the year, so mentors can discuss how they are doing, what they need, etc. As a result of these meetings, the company liaison may communicate program concerns and problems to the school or community program coordinator.

STEP 9: Monitor and evaluate the program's effectiveness

The DMC can help you create an effective evaluation for your program. Evaluating your program will help you outline future goals, determine the success of your efforts, build and sustain your program and much more.