One-to-One 

Mentoring

LEED Unit at Cardiff Business School has compiled this report on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government's (WAG) Department for Children Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS). The aim of this report was to develop a number of options for demand-led mentoring programmes for businesses in Wales based on research into best practice. The options developed reflect DELLS' area of competence, are affordable and measurable, fit within DCELLS' and the Department of Enterprise and Transport (DET) joined up approach to business support, and meet the needs of Welsh businesses.

To access the report, click here.

Best Practice approach to Mentoring is where the business manager seeks the expertise and guidance of someone who is an expert in a particular field or is simply a more experienced manager. Someone who has done it, got the tee shirt and has the battle scars to prove it!

Mentoring should deal with two needs at the same time.

Firstly, the experience should be viewed as a learning opportunity. One of the Aid Agencies has great saying which summarises the approach 'is it better to give people fish or teach them how to fish?' From a leadership and Management development perspective, a manager should emerge from this experience with the skills to deal with particular business problems on an ongoing basis.

Secondly, the learning happens at the same time that real business issues are being addressed. Having access to an experienced manager to provide the benefit of their expertise can be invaluable when faced with problems such as, hiring new staff, exporting for the first time, seeking government assistance, dealing with difficult employees etc.

We would like to thank the Management and Leadership Network in Belfast for permitting Wales Management Council to use their material.

Wales Management Council has produced a report on mentoring. To access it, click here.

© 2008 Wales Management Council design Brand/68