12 Conversations That Matter: A mentoring program outline that anyone (or any organization) can use
Developed by Brian Raison, Ohio State Extension Specialist
How to implement this mentoring program tool
One of the most important things an organization can do is encourage its employees. Mentoring is an investment in your most valuable resources: people. But sometimes formal mentoring programs feel forced, or disingenuous. Pairings might be awkward. Evaluations are often less than stellar.
Is there an alternative? Yes.
The non-formal approach to mentoring is grounded in adult learning theory and non-formal teaching practice. This more organic, flexible approach has seen very positive results based on feedback from colleagues who have used these more casual “conversation” prompts (including those in universities, non-profits, local government, business, and faith-based entities). In non-formal mentoring, you deploy tools at the right time to help people (or groups) grow when they are ready. Relationships develop more quickly allowing earlier positive impact. This approach equips you to help people become more than they thought possible.
These 12 conversations were extracted from The Encouraging Mentor: Your Guide to 40 Conversations that Matter. This format for mentoring can be used by anyone (or any organization). Simply use this outline to bring people together to have more casual conversations that will make a difference.
Launching your mentoring relationship
Start with Who Are You? The Launch Conversation. From there, work through the remaining conversations in any order you would like. You might invite your mentee to choose the order based on their own needs and interests.
I suggest printing each conversation as a handout for the person you’re mentoring, but the mentor should also have it as a conversation guide. These tools are here for you to use them in whatever way works best for you and your mentee.
Who Are You? The Launch Conversation
The Being Remembered Conversation
Five Things to Have Do Help and Be
