A quarter of the world’s population is now in lockdown. Lis Merrick explores the situation and offers a perspective on what employers can do in this extraordinary chaos. Exploring mentoring through the lens of William Bridges’ Model of Managing Transitions1, she proposes the greatest gift an employer can give at this time is a mentor to support through these incredulous changes in our lives caused by the Covid-19 virus.
Transition mentoring to enable your employees to thrive in a pandemic
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In this engaging and experiential Coaching at Work Masterclass, 
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!
Marie Swarbreck of FLEXImums and Lis Merrick of Coach Mentoring Ltd have 
How to set up a Mentoring Programme
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!
With summer just around the corner, it is a good time to health check your mentoring programme to ensure it’s in tip-top condition to keep it going over the holiday months and into the autumn. Effective formal mentoring needs nurturing and energising to deliver the best outcomes. So, whether you are an external consultant or an internal co-ordinator, freshen up your mentoring programme before people drift off on their holiday.