Mentoring is a powerful process that helps individuals to clarify their personal aspirations and develop their career strategies and development plans accordingly.

The 'mentee' is able to develop a wider perspective by tapping into the wisdom and knowledge of the mentor - a more senior or more experienced person acting as a 'faithful advisor'. This can be particularly valuable for those moving into more senior or different roles.

Objectives
While coaching focuses on particular skills, mentoring addresses broader personal development, including self-awareness, awareness of personal talents and motivation, political awareness and strategic vision. The mentor is 'sounding board', not a trainer.

Themes
Mentoring is impartial and non-prescriptive, providing a safe context in which to

• debate issues
• explore possibilities
• express ideas
• test opinions and
• explore courses of action.

This can help in clarifying personal vision and values, building confidence and self-assurance and enabling individuals to achieve their potential.

Duration
Mentoring contracts are arranged in blocks of 12 hours. The time can be used for face-toface meetings and telephone contacts arranged between mentor and mentee as required.

Mentoring Options
Jo Ouston & Co can offer mentors from a broad range of backgrounds and sectors. Mentors can be matched to the context and current stage of the individual client. We can also set up internal mentoring arrangements for groups, which can be supported with induction, training and documentation to ensure that participants are equipped to make the most of the mentoring relationship. These can also be integrated with existing processes such as assessment and development centres.

Methods
Face-to-face meetings and telephone follow-ups, completely tailored to the individual. Uptake of mentoring time is likely to be spaced to allow time for personal reflection and research.