One of my issues is that there is no real leadership training in Toastmasters. I realized that I am a bit guilty of that myself at the club level with the mentoring program. Now that new members are coming into the club, we need people to mentor them. Everyone in Twin City TM is a mentor. We do not ask people to sign up because it has never worked well for us. We just confirm with a specific member before they are assigned and that is it. The VPEd who got the program up and running never took it much farther than that and it's OK because she got the program started after so many couldn't. Now I have the chance to refine a program to help the mentors understand what they are doing.
I have decided to try a Mentor Kit. This is a kit a member will get the first time they are a mentor for the club. After this it will just be the mentor assignment sheet. The idea is to give them some simple tools and tips to help them out and to answer some FAQs. I am having fun making it, but I am trying to think of some things to put in it. I want to keep it simple and here is what I have so far:
- The mission of the mentor program
- Their assignment
- What their duties are
- Things to consider explaining
- Tips and FAQs
- What to expect from their mentee
- Feedback form about the mentoring kit and their experience as a mentor
What would you include in the kit if you were making one? What kind of feedback would you want from a mentor about the program?
I am thinking of having a mentor training session after a meeting one night. Nothing massive, just a chance to explain what is in the guide and answer their questions. Do you have any thoughts on what might be important to cover for new mentors? Please do not suggest the TM successful club module... that thing can rot.
5 comments:
With regard to a "training mentor," kit, I would use the Toyota business model and design it specifically to the individuals needs. It may need to be adapted as the speakers grow and move deeper into the CC manual. Also, they may develop more awareness of their needs as they progress. There is no one standard for each individual. Yet, I do agree with you that there needs to be a standard work process. That stated, along the lines of a reality show "makeover," I would like to see an individuals growth fostered as they develop by having more feedback than a standard information dump and static written reply and oral evaluation. Perhaps, a conversation and opportunity to deliver a second impromptu speech.
Now, I digress. This really has not answered your question. Feel free to edit or delete.
TOm
Hi,
I am a new Toastmaster from Sydney, Australia. I love what the organisation has to offer but I can understand the value of always challenging and enhancing the existing methodology and tools. I think your kit idea is BRILLIANT. I am the current club secretary and I have been nominated to stand as VPE in the next year. I came across your site as part of my research and preparation for when and if I get the job. My suggestion for your kit is to have some short simple yet structured assessment/interview/brief sheet to complete with the mentee. I had a mentor but we never exchanged any tips or information or feedback. Thinking back, I guess her challenge was she never knew what I wanted, needed or how to help me. When you don't know what you don't know it is very difficult to be able to know how to ask for help. I am curious to hear your thoughts on this. Regards,
Tom,
I will look into the Toyota model and see what it entails. I am working with our current treasurer on the kit because she likes to do mentoring and has some great insights. I think the key is to be able to tailor the program to the person in question. I wish TM put more emphasis on the mentoring program.
Anon,
I think it's great that you are taking the role of VPEd seriously and doing some research. One thing I am doing is working with new members to set goals and then making sure the mentor knows these goals. I have more to say on the issue in another entry.
Hi Sara,
I love the idea of a Mentor kit, we are also looking into it at our club Twin Towns Toastmasters, Tweed Heads, Northern NSW, Australia and am in the process of "borrowing" information from others rather than reinventing the wheel. (We have already done a lot of work, but looking to ensure we don't miss something vital.) Currently I am President and have just accepted the role of VPPR for next year. One thing I am hoping to do is to start a blog as a way of encouraging new members. What do you think?
Keep up the good work.
Robyn
Post a Comment