What are the best ways to develop your mentees' skills outside of training?
Mentoring is not only about delivering formal training sessions to your mentees. It is also about helping them learn from their own experiences, challenges, and feedback. In this article, you will discover some of the best ways to develop your mentees' skills outside of training, and how to support them in their professional growth.
One of the most effective ways to develop your mentees' skills outside of training is to assign them stretch projects that challenge them to apply their learning in new contexts, solve problems, and work with different stakeholders. Stretch projects can help your mentees expand their knowledge, creativity, and confidence, as well as demonstrate their potential to others. As a mentor, you can guide your mentees in choosing the right projects, setting realistic goals, and reflecting on their outcomes.
Another way to develop your mentees' skills outside of training is to provide them with constructive feedback on their performance, behavior, and attitude. Feedback can help your mentees identify their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as motivate them to take action and learn from their mistakes. As a mentor, you can provide feedback in various ways, such as in-person meetings, email, phone, or video calls. You can also use different methods, such as praise, criticism, suggestions, or questions.
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Regularly check in with your mentees to monitor their progress, discuss challenges, and offer guidance. Holding them accountable for their development goals is crucial. This can be the downfall of any mentorship - lack of communication. The first meeting with a mentee should establish communication guidelines that include how often you will meet. And the type of communication. It's important to make those communications a priority.
A third way to develop your mentees' skills outside of training is to encourage them to learn from their peers, both within and outside your organization. Peer learning can help your mentees gain new perspectives, insights, and tips, as well as build their network and collaboration skills. As a mentor, you can facilitate peer learning by introducing your mentees to other mentors, mentees, or colleagues who have relevant expertise or experience. You can also create or join online communities, forums, or groups where your mentees can exchange ideas and resources.
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Suggest that your mentees seek out additional mentors or coaches for specific skill areas. Multiple perspectives can be valuable for well-rounded development. Peer learning was a huge part of the leadership program I developed. It allowed the learners to learn from each other. I specifically chose their groups with employees of other departments so they could branch out their experiences.
A fourth way to develop your mentees' skills outside of training is to recommend resources that can help them deepen their understanding, broaden their horizons, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in their field. Resources can include books, articles, podcasts, videos, webinars, courses, or events. As a mentor, you can share your own favorite resources with your mentees, or ask them to share theirs with you. You can also create or suggest a learning plan or a reading list that aligns with your mentees' goals and interests.
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Suggest books, articles, online courses, workshops, or mentors who can help your mentees further develop their skills. Share your own knowledge and experiences. Instill a culture of lifelong learning by encouraging your mentees to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This can involve attending conferences, webinars, or joining professional associations.
A fifth way to develop your mentees' skills outside of training is to model best practices that can inspire them to emulate your behavior, attitude, and values. Best practices can include how you communicate, manage your time, handle stress, make decisions, lead teams, or deal with conflicts. As a mentor, you can model best practices by sharing your stories, challenges, and successes with your mentees, or inviting them to observe you in action. You can also ask your mentees to share their own best practices with you.
A sixth way to develop your mentees' skills outside of training is to celebrate their achievements, both big and small. Celebrating achievements can help your mentees recognize their progress, boost their morale, and reinforce their positive behavior. As a mentor, you can celebrate achievements by acknowledging your mentees' efforts, results, and feedback, or rewarding them with recognition, appreciation, or incentives. You can also encourage your mentees to celebrate their own achievements, and to share them with others.
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