What mentor training should cover
Good mentor training doesn’t need to be lengthy, but it does need to cover the fundamentals. At a minimum, it should include:
- What mentoring is, where it comes from and how it differs from coaching
- How to set the relationship up for success from the start, including agreeing on meeting frequency, confidentiality and expectations
- Conversational techniques to help a mentee clarify goals and plan to achieve them
- Core mentoring skills such as active listening, guiding, challenging, role modelling and summarising
- Common mistakes mentors make and how to avoid them
Beyond the basics, more experienced mentors benefit from training in powerful questioning, supporting behavioural change and building a mentee’s confidence and self-awareness.
It’s also worth noting that programs with diversity objectives, such as those focused on women in leadership or First Nations employees, benefit from additional preparation around topics like unconscious bias and imposter syndrome. These aren’t just nice to have. They’re often the difference between a relationship that transforms someone’s career and one that quietly fizzles out.
Supporting your mentors beyond training
Training is the foundation, but ongoing support makes the real difference. Some helpful resources to share with your mentors:
