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The Hard Stuff is the Soft Stuff

by | Aug 19, 2011 | Uncategorized

The old ways of doing business through power, hierarchy and individualism are no longer working and have been replace by the values of partnership, relationship and organizational learning. It is easy to understand why the  ability to foster openness, dialogue and understanding is a competitive advantage today. It not only makes good business sense but it impacts all the learning that goes on in the organization. Let’s take a look at these three concepts in more depth. (more…)

Mentoring Extraordinaire

by | Aug 9, 2011 | Uncategorized

I have just read  Adam Bryant’s interview with Kathy Button Bell for the third time and it should be required reading for new and experienced mentors. Sure, it may be entitled, “Endurance on the Field and at Work,” but it could just have easily been called “All About Mentoring.” It is a testimony to the power of mentoring, the centrality of learning in a mentoring relationship for both the mentor and mentee. (more…)

Learning Goals Hit the Mark

by | Aug 6, 2011 | Uncategorized

There is an old saying that goes, “If there is no target to aim at you will hit it everytime.”  When goals are not defined mentoring proceeds along a meandering path. Clarifying and articulating learning goals requires inquiry and conversation so that the goals that are selected, are meaningful and guide the work of the relationship.

Being knowledgeable about a mentee’s learning style offers a starting point and assists you in knowing when to step forward and when to hold back, and how to honor specific learning styles that help to facilitate the learning. For example, if your mentee is a very logical person who is data driven and fact-oriented and you are someone who operates more intuitively, you will adjust the learning in a manner more suitable to your mentee’s needs.

What is your learning style? How might it impact your mentoring relationships?

Learn more about the goal driven mentoring relationship and Begin with the End in Mind!

Learning Opportunities: Bridging the Gap with Challenging Assignments

by | Aug 3, 2011 | Uncategorized

One of the best ways to keep a mentoring relationship fresh is to take advantage of multiple learning opportunities. Once you and your mentoring partner get to know each other you will have a much clearer understanding about your mentee’s situation and learning needs. Perhaps your mentee could benefit by exposure to additional knowledge, skills and experience. By reaching out to colleagues and professional networks you may be able to find out what kinds of learning opportunities they might have had or have available to your mentee.

Brainstorm a list of learning opportunities together with your mentee. As you do thinking about learning style, context, goals and timing.

Consider learning opportunities within the organization and external to the organization.

Look at your list and discuss the answers to the following:

  • Which ones will help the mentee gain exposure to new learning?
  • Which will reinforce learning?
  • Which will accelerate learning?

Try to flesh out your list so that it is robust. Think outside the box to generate ideas and don’t be surprised if your mentee comes up with ideas you’ve never considered.

 

Seeing Difference as a Learning Opportunity

by | Jun 8, 2011 | Uncategorized

When it comes to the dynamics of mentoring relationships between men and women old stereotypes hold fast: women are generally more internally focused and put a priority on building relationships, valuing care, concern, and connection. Men tend to focus externally first, on tasks and results.  The new model reflects a shifting paradigm that is collaborative and egalitarian. (more…)