A Look at Speed Mentoring

 

Late last year, I told you about MMT’s informal cross-generational pilot mentoring program, which we decided to launch after realizing that the skills gaps challenge does not end when a company hires workers. We discovered that once the next generation enters the workforce, the two generations are struggling to get through to the other or understand each other’s perspective, and we believe that mentorship can help.

Well, we are a few months into our pilot program, so I thought I would share just a few key takeaways as I journey the experiences of each pair:

• Vulnerability, honesty and trust are necessary to the process.
• No prior relationship may be key to success.
• Busyness cannot be an excuse for lack of participation.
• Self-awareness is an immediate outcome.
• Mentorship allows more effective “venting” because both the mentor and mentee help each other calibrate.
• Both generations have more in common than they thought.
• Mentorship is not a one-size-fits-all. Some require a plan and formal communication, and others do not.
• Time to process is necessary.

I hope these points entice you to register for Amerimold 2020, where I will be moderating a panel discussion with the pilot program participants. They will share their experiences and reveal how mentorship can help bridge the great generational divide. We’ll end the presentation by explaining that no matter what format your mentorship takes, you need a sustainable process to make everything the mentee and mentor learn stick. We will leave the audience with some resources that can help interested attendees seriously consider mentorship.

To go even further with this topic, we are following up the panel with an opportunity for you to take a personal deep dive into mentorship by participating in a special Speed Mentoring event that will take place off the show floor in a private conference room. Here MMT EAB member and talent consultant Marion Wells of Human Asset Management will lead experienced industry professionals and eager new talent through a session that offers them a chance to connect and gain knowledge from dozens of different perspectives from the international talent that makes Amerimold so special.

To make this event as organized and productive as possible, we are asking those interested to register at AmerimoldExpo.com. There is a $50.00 registration fee. On the form, you will be asked three questions:

1. Are you interested in taking advantage of an opportunity to further your personal development through industry connections that fit your specific needs?
2. If yes, please indicate what area of personal development is of interest to you:

• Operations
• Career development
• General industry knowledge
• Technology

3. Are you looking to connect with an experienced industry professional from whom you can learn OR are you looking to connect with a next-generation industry professional with whom you can share your experience?

The Speed Mentoring will consist of a quick 30-minute session during which participants will have five interactions with potential mentors and mentees. The goal is to help you find a connection to begin mentoring.

If you have any questions about this program, feel free to email me at cfuges@gardnerweb.com.