As the principal of dtkResources, I have a front row seat to the dramatic changes  — economic realities, demographic shifts, globalization, etc — impacting businesses of all sizes. As this New Normal reflects a constantly changing, unprecedented and unanticipated reality, it’s clear we have no choice but to develop world class talent if we are to compete in the increasingly complex global marketplace. What was before — off-the-shelf, top-down, rote training-as-usual — is wholly inadequate to the task of talent development in the 21^st Century . 

In addition to innovative, re-imagined training options, a formal mentoring program — whether traditional or reverse mentoring —  can be a powerful tool  in accelerating learning while fostering and leveraging the more agile, independent and inter-dependent business culture of today.   But to be powerful, a mentoring program must be deliberate and offer proper support.

QUALITY MENTORS ARE MADE, NOT BORN.

Without clear expectations and proper support, mentoring relationships can easily crash and burn. So, for the program to be successful and the learning sustained, companies can protect their investment by training mentors in the fundamentals of having “coaching conversations.”

This coaching platform – the same as is used in the delivery of all dtkResources programs – understands that adults learn best and fastest when challenged and engaged: the mentor’s role is to stimulate, not direct, the thinking

A full mentorship program first achieves buy-in from both mentors and potential mentees by clarifying expectations and laying the groundwork for a truly impactful mentorship program.  Mentors are then taught to:

• Build rapport
• Set milestones for success
• Prepare for setbacks and resistance
• Establish accountability
• Resist being directive
• Employ active listening
• Give productive feedback, constructively
• Model behavior
• Leave the mentee empowered and in action at the end of each session
• Reinforce the learning

In this Conceptual Age, it’s human capital that will make the difference, so if you’re ready to maximize the return on your talent development initiatives, let’s discuss how dtkResources can customize a compelling and fruitful mentorship program.