In the first module, the Role of an Effective Mentor module, you will unpack the foundations of effective mentoring, exploring and challenging definitions of mentoring and reverse mentoring, as distinct from other forms of workplace support such as coaching or supervision. You will explore the purpose and value of mentoring from three perspectives – the organisation, the mentee, and the mentor, and will unpack the characteristic features of both effective and ineffective mentoring relationships. Through reflective activities and discussion, you will identify what makes mentoring impactful and how it can drive positive outcomes for your organisation and employees, including engagement, wellbeing, retention and performance.

The Mentoring Conversation module focuses on the practical knowledge, skills and processes involved in initiating and holding effective mentoring conversations. You will learn how to open, contract, and build trust in a mentoring conversation, as well as how to apply active listening, questioning, and reflection techniques to facilitate meaningful dialogue. Through case studies and role-play tailored to business, you will practice holding effective and meaningful mentoring conversations.  We will explore the importance of compassion, honesty, and adaptability in navigating the dynamics of mentoring discussions, for both you and the mentee to be able to realise the benefits of the mentoring process.

In the module, Maintaining and Closing the Mentoring Process, you will learn strategies for maintaining momentum in ongoing mentoring relationships and for closing mentoring conversations and the series effectively.  You will learn the importance of regular check-ins, setting and revisiting goals, and providing constructive feedback throughout the mentoring process.  You will be provided with common scenarios to help sustain mentees’ engagement and offers tools for evaluating the effectiveness and success of mentoring relationships.

Our last module, Embedding Mentoring within the Workplace, is designed to help you review and reflect on your own organisation’s culture and climate for mentoring.  Through guided activities, you will explore what a supportive mentoring environment looks like and consider your own assumptions about what represents a ‘barrier’ or ‘enabler’ in your own business context. During the session, you will be given time to create a plan, identifying actionable steps required to embed mentoring practices within your workplace.  The session will help you align mentoring with organisational goals, and work towards shaping a culture where mentoring is valued, supported, and sustainable for long-term impact.