Mentoring is one of the most powerful learning and change interventions our clients use within an organisational setting. Some organisations see it as an activity, which can take place within the line of command; other organisations see it as incompatible with the fundamental openness of the relationship. Similarly, some cultures see the exercise of authority and influence on the part of a protégé as appropriate; others see mentoring as primarily a developmental activity, with the emphasis on empowering and enabling people to do things for themselves. Some people view mentoring as synonymous with coaching, or teaching; others see it as a form of counselling. Certainly others view it as a kind of godfather relationship.
Most organisations understand the great benefits of an in-house mentoring programme, but setting up and running an effective and beneficial programme takes time. Programme management is often added into someone’s already packed job description. This can lead to loss of momentum and ultimately a programme that hasn’t been as effective as it could have been. Even worse, it may be seen a failure and this will hamper getting future programmes off the ground!
Coach Mentoring Ltd has helped organisations in every sector. So here are 4 reasons why you should use Virtual Programme Management to help you run your mentoring programme. Continue reading
Our last blog discussed how you can decide whether you’re ready to 
Are you running, or are about to run, a mentoring program? If so, the chances are you’re wondering whether it’s worth investing in mentoring technology to help you manage the scheme. Here are three tests to help you understand whether you should be thinking about a technology platform, or whether you are better saving your money! 
Marie Swarbreck of FLEXImums and Lis Merrick of Coach Mentoring Ltd have 
How to set up a Mentoring Programme
In the last two decades, many employers have shown enthusiastic commitment to gender diversity. Women have made enormous strides in being able to compete on the same playing field as men at work. This is where initiatives such as mentoring and sponsor programmes have been really successful in helping erode this gender imbalance and create more gender equity. Gender equity means fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective needs. All the research strongly confirms this as being an important factor in developing more women leaders. So let us consider:
As long ago as 2005, Brewster et al defined talent management as occurring on a global basis. It is a far broader concept than a series of international assignments for young potential. They describe a picture of being able to retain and attract the best talent anywhere in the world. Global brands like Diageo, Shell and Rolls Royce attach great importance to developing a positive brand for potential recruits.
Organisations are keen to ensure that their mentoring programme will be the best. They want it to run smoothly, with everyone getting a great deal out of it!
In Japan, Ikigai is a popular concept that makes millions of people want to get out of bed in the morning. It is translates simply as the ‘reason for being’. The term ikigai is composed of two Japanese words: ‘iki’ referring to life, and ‘kai’, which roughly means “the realisation of what one expects and hopes for”.