STAGES OF MENTORING

Mrs James is a senior director in the education sector, with over 15 years of experience under her belt. She was a recipient of various awards and recognition over the years for her exceptional service. However, one thing was missing. She was hungry to pass on this knowledge and share her experiences with another person.

It was a Tuesday morning when a mentorship awareness organization came by her Mrs James place of work. She picked up one of the brochures they dropped and pondered on it. She began to embrace the idea of mentoring someone. It was not that she had never heard of mentoring before, but she had never had the concept explained to her. She decided to pick Mercy- a younger colleague who always sought her advice, as her mentee. Thus the relationship began. They both discussed their expectations and goals for the relationship, with each party committed to achieving these set goals. Mrs James allowed Mercy to express herself in the relationship. And this enhanced the growth of their mentoring relationship.

A year after, Mrs James was to retire from service. She had reached the retirement age. It was time to make some decisions. She and Mercy discussed whether to stop their relationship, and they both agreed to continue outside the workplace. They had formed a strong bond and were the envy of many colleagues.

Interesting story, I would say. But what is even more interesting is that they went through all the stages of mentoring.  Let me show you how. These are the stages of mentoring:

Contemplation/preparation: This is the first step to the beginning of any relationship. It is the decision to be involved in the relationship. The mentor has to decide and prepare to be a part of the relationship. This is why no one can be forced to mentor; it has to be a personal decision. Same also goes for the mentee. They have to decide they want the help, and from whom they want it.

Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; Afterward, build your house and establish a home.

Proverbs 24:27 AMP

Initiation: Some researchers refer to this as the courtship or fantasy stage. This is when both parties get to know one another. At this stage, both parties make introductions, discuss and define their expectations and goals. Thus the beginning of the relationship.

Growth and development: At this point, both parties are well acquainted with one another. The mentee, at this point, also has the leeway to decide what they want. The goals that were set should be on the way or should have reached achievement. Both mentor and mentee should have evolved past how they were at the beginning of the relationship.

Closure/redefinition: There always comes a time to decide whether to go on with the mentoring relationship. When the initial goals set for relationship have been achieved, you have to determine if you want to end the relationship. You can also redefine the approach to focus on something different.

These are the primary stages of mentoring. Whether you are going through a mentoring platform, or a one-on-one encounter, Follow them and you are sure to get it right.

Thank you for reading. What stage of mentoring are you presently? Please share with me in the comment section.