Shared leadership mentor program
WHAT IS THE SHARED LEADERSHIP MENTOR PROGRAM?
The Shared Leadership Mentor Program is an individual leadership development opportunity for participants in Shared Leadership
2008-2009. You will observe leadership skills in action by shadowing a leader of your choice. The job shadow also may serve as a portal to a potentially ongoing mentoring relationship that will allow you to obtain support in your career.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each participant will identify their own strengths, weaknesses, skill development needs, career expectations and objectives. Participants also will identify three leaders they would be interested in shadowing for a day, a portion of a day, or on multiple days throughout the year. Commitments of longer than one day will be developed into an individualized mentoring program. Participants may select leaders from a distributed list of past participants or suggest other potential new leaders.
The Mentor Program Committee will review submitted names to make required new contacts, avoid duplication (the sooner you submit your preferred names, the more likely you will be able to shadow your first choice) and ensure that participants interested in a mentoring program (mentees) are assigned to leaders (mentors) willing to make the extended commitment. Participants who choose the extended mentoring option will be responsible for arranging the details of their program (e.g., frequency of meetings, communications) with the prospective mentor.
Shadowers/mentees will be given the name of their approved leader/mentor and asked to contact that person directly to arrange their individual program by mid-December. The first leader/participant meeting should take place before the January Shared Leadership session. Leaders will be invited to the year-end wrap-up lunch, where both participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences.
The Mentor Program Committee will distribute more detailed information on job shadowing and mentoring programs in August 2008.
WHAT IS MY ROLE AS A SHADOWER/MENTEE?
You should be enthusiastic about observing a leader in action and have a general understanding of the selected leader's job duties and day-to-day activities. Be prepared to ask detailed questions dealing with leadership style and be ready to provide feedback to the leader as well as receive it. Finally, you should be committed to the program and to sharing your learning experience with the larger group.
Getting Started
WHAT IS THE LEADER'S ROLE?
Participating leaders should understand the importance of leadership development, exhibit strong leadership skills, and be willing to offer advice and commit time and energy to the program. They should be able to encourage questions, share knowledge of their career environment, and provide advice regarding leadership and advancement.
How to Be an Effective Mentor
**For Mentor Program Committee Members Only**
Letter to Mentors
Last reviewed August 2008