Suggested Topics for Mentors and Their Mentees

• The County Extension Office
  • Transitioning from Agent to building and leading a team
  • Becoming familiar with the county Extension office’s protocol
  • Reviewing and understanding your employee's job descriptions
  • Setting individual expectations and goals for each member of your staff
  • Setting expectations and goals for your team
  • Ways to effectively supervise and motivate your team
  • Understanding your county budget, financial operations, etc.
  • Reviewing POA, ERS and EPAT data; how to use this information
  • Developing strategies for learning about different programmatic areas
  • Preparing for and conducting performance reviews, disciplinary actions, awards nominations, etc.
  • Effective communication both inside and outside your office
  • How to professionally and effectively handle conflict
  • Determining and measuring success for individuals and teams
  • How to demonstrate standards and rules of engagement related to work ethics, professionalism, customer service, attitude, etc.
  • Professionally managing a crisis
  • Work/Life balance
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension
  • The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Mission
  • Cultural norms for Extension and as a CED
• Working in and with your County
  • Meeting with key leaders in the county
  • Working with your county manager and other county departments
  • Understanding the county’s power structure
  • Understanding the POW and its relationship to your county’s plan
  • Identify and develop ways to meet with stakeholders
  • Working effectively with your Advisory Council
  • Strategies for networking, build relationships and collaboration
• Working with the Universities
  • Identifying university resources for CEDs
  • Learning the university systems as a CED