Mentoring roundtables

Mentoring roundtables are learning and support sessions that promote active and timely sharing of good mentoring practice amongst a peer mentoring group (mentees or mentors). Participation in roundtables encourages benchmarking of progress relative to others in the group.

Mentors and mentees report that participation in mentoring roundtables creates great value for them. They find that sharing and learning what other mentor or mentees are doing validates their approaches, and sparks new ideas for them. They are surprised and relieved to find that they aren’t the only ones struggling (like Bennett in setting SMART goals). In addition, they receive the support they need to stay on track and feel successful.

Here are some guidelines, from US mentoring expert Lois Zachary, to ensure the value and effectiveness of your sessions.

1. Start with Ground Rules

Encourage roundtable participants to generate their own ground rules. You may want to offer some of the following to help keep the session on track.

• Respect the confidentiality agreement between mentoring partners
• What is discussed in the roundtable stays at the roundtable
• Listen and ask questions for clarity
• Be open to new ideas that will enhance your current relationship
• Everyone contributes.

2. Facilitate the Process

• It is best to have the program facilitator, mentoring trainer or neutral party facilitate the session
• Hold separate sessions, one for mentors and one for mentees
• Sessions generally last an hour to an hour and a half
• Use a variety of techniques and formats to generate responses and engage the group
• Record responses and distribute results after the session
• Allow for the free exchange of ideas rather than trying to control participation.

3. Wrap Up

• Ask participants about their take-aways. For example, what is one thing you are taking away from today’s Roundtable that will enhance your mentoring relationship?
• Summarize some of the best practices that came to the table
• Introduce a new practice that will move relationships forward.

In your back pocket

You will want to be prepared with questions to kick-start the conversation.

1. What goals are you and your mentoring partner working on right now?
2. What is the most satisfying aspect of your relationship?
3. What is the single most effective practice contributing to the success of your mentoring relationship?
4. What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?
5. What question or issue can the group help you with?

Adapted with permission from a posting in Mentoring Matters, November 2015, volume 6 issue 9. ( info@centerformentoringexcellence.com)

© David Clutterbuck, 2015

Prof David Clutterbuck
Coaching and Mentoring International Ltd
Woodlands, Tollgate,
Maidenhead,
Berks, UK. SL6 4LJ

www.coachingandmentoringinternational.org
e-mail: info@coachingandmentoringinternational.org
Company registration number : 08158710