Mentoring Program FAQs

Transcription

1 Mentoring Program FAQs

2 Overview The below set of frequently asked questions have been prepared to assist both mentors and mentees with some common questions they may have on the AIPM Victorian Mentoring Program. The structure and guidance provided herein is intended to provide support, rather than be a detailed list of controls. The relationship between both mentor and mentee is something that will develop organically and over time. What is mentoring? Mentoring is a supportive professional relationship where one person acts as a guide to another, supporting that person s learning and career growth. A mentor is not the same as a counsellor or a coach and is less formal than these processes. Mentoring relationships are based on mutual respect where both people share their knowledge, experience and wisdom. What should you expect to get out of the program? The benefits for becoming a mentee are: Getting to know other AIPM members from other disciplines/companies which you would not normally interact with Learning more about industry/the project management profession in a broader context Having someone to share your experience with and learn from what others have done before you in terms of career development Have someone to bounce ideas and career goals off in a confidential environment Gain CPD points towards the maintenance of your certification through AIPM The benefits for becoming a mentor are: Having an opportunity to pass on experience Having an opportunity share the positive organisational culture Keeping in touch with emerging project managers Gaining experience in developing relationships with emerging project managers Preparation for future roles as more senior managers, project managers, team leaders, etc. Gain CPD points towards the maintenance of your certification through AIPM

3 Do I get CPD points? Both mentees and mentors may receive CPD points under the current CPD Categories and Points Table (2 April 2014), as follows: It is the responsibility of the Mentor/Mentee to log their CPD points at the end of the program. Mentor/Mentees can claim 1 point per hour of project management related learning and development (excluding socialising) under Category C02. How long does the program run for? The program runs for 16 weeks from the commencement event. At the conclusion of this period it is then at the discretion of the mentor and mentee as to whether or not the relationship continues. How much does it cost? The program is run free for members only. How do we get started? Mentors/Mentees will be advised of their pairing by Monday 8 February A meet and greet session will be held on Thursday 11 February From there, it is the mentee s responsibility to drive the program by organising the meetings. Meetings can be an informal chat of about 30 to 45 minutes, or a formal and structure session as per what is agreed between the mentor and mentee. As a general guide, mentoring sessions should be scheduled as follows: The end of week one after the introduction to your mentor Once every three-four weeks or so for the duration of the program Continuation of the relationship following the conclusion of the program is at the mentor and mentees discretion. If continuing a minimum of quarterly meetings are recommended

4 What is expected of me? The Mentee is expected to: Be available to actively participate in five or more one-on-one mentoring sessions with their mentor during the 16 week period It is the mentee s responsibility to drive this program by organising the meetings, setting a suitable time, location and agenda Inform the organising committee if you are having problems with your mentor Listen, clarify, reflect and challenge Identify your own development goals for discussion and refinement with your mentor Be open to and appreciate different perspectives Build trust in the relationship and maintain confidentiality Keep your mentor in the loop even when things are going well and regular meetings may not be required (i.e. let your mentor know you do not need a meeting in the near term and when you anticipate your next meeting may be) Keep a Mentoring Diary Sheet for each meeting which will be used as evidence for when you log your CPD points The Mentor is expected to: Be available to actively participate in five or more sessions with their mentee during the 12 week period Empower mentees to solve their own problems by giving advice Provide mentees with a safe space for raising and talking about issues, by way of nondirective dialogue rather than instruction and coaching Help mentees reflect on their thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours Build trust in the relationship and maintain confidentiality Support mentees in discovering and defining their own development needs Sharing your own expertise, experience and mistakes to help mentees develop theirs Inform the organising committee if you are having problems with your mentee Provide information on further professional contacts as appropriate (i.e. recommending the appropriate person for technical issues) Providing support to the mentee in preparing their certification process Keep a Mentoring Diary Sheet for each meeting which will be used as evidence for when you log your CPD points

5 What are the protocols for a mentoring relationship? It is considered best that the protocols of the relationship be established between yourself and your mentee. As a minimum, all conversations should be treated as confidential unless otherwise agreed between both parties. The following is a list of general program protocols to be adhered to: Must participate in the meet and greet session, mid-point and end mentor program evaluation This program is intended to be developmental not external training. Mentors should be aware of the their own competence and operate within these boundaries Both mentor and mentee should respect each other s time and work commitments by not imposing on each other beyond what would be considered reasonable Either party may dissolve the relationship. Both mentor and mentee must prior to doing so discuss the matter together first and jointly inform the AIPM Mentoring Program Coordinator What are the next steps? If you are interested in joining the program, please complete the following two steps:- 1. Register for the program at 2016 Mentor Program 2. Complete the relevant survey Mentor Information Mentee information Where do I go for more information? All enquiries should be directed through the Victorian Chapter Coordinator vic_chapter@aipm.com.au