1. NCWE Mentoring for Success
Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D.
President, Clark State Community College
@clarkstatepres

2. Mentoring is Important Work
“Colleagues are a wonderful thing—but mentors, that’s where the real work gets done.” – Junot Diaz

3. Overview of Mentoring History of mentoring
Different terms for mentors (brainstorm)
Creating your personal and professional portfolio
Identifying the gaps
Finding a champion and a BOLO mentor
Writing and rehearsing your story and your journey so you are ready to tell it!

4. Why Mentoring? One-on-one is the best way to learn
Investing in yourself
Developing EQ/the whole self
Hearing and learning before doing
Establishing a network/social capital
It’s never too early to mentor others
Storytelling is powerful
Every successful professional had a mentor

5. Reflecting on Mentors, Past and Present
Take a few minutes to think about someone you have worked with and looked up to—what qualities did this person exhibit?
Take a few minutes to think about an someone with whom you work regularly—what relationships/experiences could you leverage to develop yourself as a professional?
Consistent theme: I should be doing...but what should I really be doing? How do I know?

6. Characteristics of Successful Professionals
Demonstrating Drive (Dynamic and Enterprising) and Creativity
Taking an Entrepreneurial Approach
Focusing on Goal Attainment
Tackling Business Challenges
Listening and empathy
Using data to make decisions
Understanding the workplace/organization

7. This is Personal
How can you utilize mentoring to create opportunity for you?
What are some challenges that you wish to seek help from your mentor to make you a more effective professional?
What gaps in your professional or personal portfolio are you looking to address through a mentoring relationship?

8. Expectations of Mentees
Respects mentor's advice, constructive criticism, time, and experience
Seeks advice by identifying challenges and articulating needs
Honors mentor by using time wisely and creating an open line of communication
Progresses by practicing what he/she has learned, providing feedback to mentor, and persevering in personal goals

9. Expectations of Mentors
Shares experiences by offering suggestions for success and guiding mentees
Honors the mentee by using time wisely and creating lines of open communication
Instills integrity in mentee
Promotes professional development including career and life skills
Monitors mentee's progress throughout the entire relationship

10. Questions for Mentees to Ask
Did you think you would pursue this career path?
How do you spend most of your time in this position?
Share your specific challenges and opportunities: What would you do in a specific situation?
What USED to be your biggest challenge?
How can I help you?

11. Questions for Mentors to Ask
What are your short term/long term professional and personal goals?
Pose a scenario and gauge reactions/responses with appreciative inquiry
What is your biggest challenge now (and it can’t be pay)?
What skills or credentials do you need to reach your goals?

12. Questions?
Thank you!