How / why is this mentoring program different to others?
Firstly, the Constructive Mentoring program is designed specifically for women in the building, design and construction industry. Secondly, it takes into account the very real time pressures that women face by giving them choices as to when and how they want to conduct their meetings. Mentors and mentees can choose to communicate either by email or in person so that finding time for mentoring fits in with your schedules.
Equally importantly, the program is managed by specialist mentoring company Orijen. Our proven track record (over 25 years’ experience and clients including Hewlett Packard, QANTAS, CBA, Nokia, Orica and Freehills) and focus on delivering structured, measurable mentoring programs sets the Constructive Mentoring program apart from other mentoring programs.
What is the cost of the program?
As a mentee, if you (or your employer) is a current financial member of MBA, NAWIC or RAIA, it is free to participate in the Constructive Mentoring program. Mentors can participate regardless of association membership, in a voluntary capacity.
How long does the program run for?
The Constructive Mentoring program facilitates mentoring over a 12-month period for all mentoring pairs. The 12 months starts when you are matched to your partner. The deadline for mentee enrolment is 30 April 2008 (however we are accepting mentor enrolments up until 30 May 2008), with all matching to be complete by 31 May 2008.
How do you match me with a suitable mentoring partner?
In the enrolment process, mentees are asked to fill out a form specifying things such as location, age, profession, and specific skill areas they would like to develop. They are then matched to mentors based on key fields, particularly the skills area, so that, where possible, a mentee is paired with a mentor with experience in the fields they need to learn more about.
What if I meet my mentor and find we are not suited?
There is an opt-out clause in the Mentee/Mentor Agreement, which you sign at the Briefing Session, in the rare case that you and your mentor do not get along. We will then endeavour to match you with a different mentor for the duration of the program.
How do I meet my mentoring partner?
We aim for all mentoring pairs to meet face-to-face at the initial Briefing Session, but after this you are free to meet however is convenient for you. This could be over the phone, via video-chat (eg. Skype), through email communication or face-to-face – however you decide with your mentor / mentee.
When and how often do I meet my mentoring partner?
It is recommended that you have contact with your mentor/mentee at least once a month, for the 12-month duration. Your calls / meetings can go anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour – it is up to you and your partner. It is best to have a set time each month to catch up to ensure you meet the monthly requirement.
Can I contact my mentoring partner between arranged meeting times?
Of course – the monthly meeting is a minimum, and any reasonable further contact is encouraged.
What do we talk about?
Anything and everything relating to the mentee’s career, business and skills development. The mentor’s role is to offer guidance and support and to act as a sounding board for the mentee, not to give professional advice on how to run their business.
What are the reporting requirements?
Mentors and mentees will complete a short monthly report (online). This enables us to track the relationships and provide support where needed. Every six months a more comprehensive program evaluation is also circulated, for us to obtain feedback on the areas we need to improve.
What happens at the initial Briefing Session?
The Briefing Session is a 2 hour workshop introducing the Constructive Mentoring program structure, and how it all works. Orijen will run through all aspects of the program, and take the group through some interactive activities, before you get to meet your mentor in person. By the time you leave you will be ready to embrace the Constructive Mentoring program and all the great benefits it has to offer you and your business!
We also have an Online Briefing Session for those who cannot attend a Briefing Session in person. Please email lisa@orijen.com.au if you would like to receive the link to the Online Briefing Session.