Assessing the Probability of Mentoring Success (June 2010)

In the Mentoring Process, the assessment is the initial phase that helps us establish a baseline from which we can start our work as Mentors. Although the contract has specific deliverables to accomplish, determining the best road to get there is very important. This assessment usually determines the Partner/Organization capability and capacity for growth. It also establishes key elements that allow us to help our Partners develop action plans, implement those plans and evaluate their progress to meet the needs of the Partner and the contract.

In many cases we are working with Partners who have a variety of experience in the areas that they are working. In every case our best effort will center on what kind of Mentoring we can provide our Partners as they assume greater responsibility in their functional areas.

In addition to determining functional skills, it is also necessary to “enter their world” and meet them where they are and not where we think they should be. As Mentor’s we have a critical role to assist our Partners in their professional development, this can only be effectively done if we understand the nature of their motivation, ability, support and knowledge.

Assessing these elements will help determine the level of success that the Mentoring Partnership program may have.

Motivation is the attitude that is demonstrated. Motivation initiates action and implies that the Partner has a desire to perform a specific task.

Ability is the physical, emotional, or cultural drive to accomplish a task and implies that the Partner has the capability required to perform a desired task.

Support is a resource and implies that the Partner has a cooperative network of people who can, if necessary, provide assistance in accomplishing a specific task.

Knowledge is having the experience, understanding and functional skills required to achieve specific tasks.

When the Mentor demonstrates the ability to relate to what the Partner is feeling and going through, within the context of mentoring, then that is an essential step to creating a trusting and credible working relationship.